Erika Meng

The world’s light is a little dimmer after the passing of everyone’s favorite Mama, Schwester, Oma, friend, and casual acquaintance. With her Schwester Herz, Ursula, by her side, the two navigated growing up in Germany. Erika met the love of her life Reinhold, when he came to visit her while she was working at an eatery. They quickly fell in love and were married as part of a double wedding with her sister. Heike and Hans were born in Germany and in 1969 the family immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island with all their belongings packed into fourteen suitcases. After settling down in Chicago, their family grew with the birth of Christian.

Erika had the gift of making everyone feel like she was their best friend, no matter who you were. While she never minced her words (she was known to curse from time to time), you always felt loved and seen by Erika. To her, family was everything and everyone was family. She loved to share her passions with the world, whether it was crafting wine glass coasters, eye glass cases, or even creating Halloween costumes that drew rave reviews from her children’s teachers. Erika not only enjoyed these passions but enjoyed the community that she was privileged to spend time with. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always her favorite holidays and the traditions she was passionate about will be reflected through family and friends for many years to come. A warrior and fighter every day of her life, Erika’s impact on those around her can never be truly summed up in words. Her presence and love was felt every day, and her light will shine in each and every person that knew her.

Born on June 5, 1947, in Ockstadt, Germany, to the late Hermann and Anna Rieschel, she was the beloved wife of the late Reinhold. Cherished Mama of Heike (Larry) Cailliau, Hans (Lynne) Meng, and Christian Meng; adored Oma of Kyle, Brandon (and his fiancé, Laura Chin) and Tyler Meng; dear sister of Ursula Klein (the late Franz Josef Klein) and her sister-in-law, Maria Rieschel (and her brother, the late Joachim Rieschel); fond aunt of Patrick and Steffen Klein, Ramona Winter, Anette Arzu Badi and Torsten Rieschel, and Monika O’Mara, as well as many many other family members and friends. Erika was also survived by her best friend and her everything, her precious dog, Mila.

Visitation for Erika will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 3pm until 7pm at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 pm Thursday, July 16 at the funeral home. Entombment will immediately follow the service at Ridgewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Erika's memory to your charity of choice for:

Culinary Cares

childhood cancer

or to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)

For more information, please call (847) 824-5155.