Joan Lyle Erickson Motzkus

Joan Lyle Erickson Motzkus, 86, passed away surrounded by her family on June 7, 2026, at her home in Millcreek, Utah. Joan fought a courageous seven year battle with congestive heart failure and had an incredibly strong will to live. Her loving and devoted husband was her caregiver throughout her illness. Through faith, hope, and priesthood blessings, she was able to attend several weddings and lived to meet 16 additional great grandchildren. She will be tremendously missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, lifelong neighbors and friends.

Joan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 9, 1939 to Wilford Byron Erickson and Beryl Neilson. She was the oldest of nine children and spent her youth looking after her younger siblings. Her association with her brothers and sisters became particularly close over the last several years. They spent many hours playing cards together.

Joan attended South High School where she met the love of her life, Bob Motzkus. Bob spotted a stunning brunette in a cappella choir class. He was instantly smitten and thought Joan was the most beautiful girl in the school. They dated their junior and senior years, marrying one year later in the Salt Lake Temple on August 8, 1958.

During high school Joan worked the candy counter at the Uptown Theatre. After high school she worked in the directory department at the telephone company. When Bob finished his schooling, Joan chose to focus her attention completely on raising their family. She was a wonderful, encouraging mother. Her children took comfort in knowing that she would always be there for them. They often came home from school to warm baked goods. They also understood that she expected the best of them. She taught them that through hard work they could accomplish anything. Joan never did anything half way and instilled that in her children. She encouraged all of her children and grandchildren to pursue higher education.

Joan was devoted to keeping an immaculate and organized home. She loved the holidays and had an eye for decorating. Her children always looked forward to seeing the beautiful mantel with each new season. Everything she touched was lovely. Her home at Christmas could have been in a Hallmark movie. She cherished family gatherings and could cook amazing meals and make it look easy. Her children and grandchildren will miss her beautiful parties, but will carry on her legacy and traditions in their own families.

Grandma Joan loved to help with her grandchildren and often took them on outings to the mall, zoo, and park. She adored her family with all her heart. Many nights they could be found around the kitchen table playing dominoes and various card games. She fully understood joy and rejoicing in her posterity.

Bob and Joan enjoyed making memories together trailering, golfing, and traveling the world. They had many wonderful friends that shared these activities with them. They spent the last 13 winters enjoying the beautiful weather and surroundings in St. George, Utah.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joan held various callings in all organizations. The highlight of her service was her call alongside her husband as mission president in Cleveland Ohio 2003-2006. Joan brought her many gifts to the mission home and provided tender loving care to many missionaries. Joan and Bob consider these three years the highlight of their lives. They grew close as a couple and cherish their many memories in Ohio, especially in Kirtland. Joan loved the Savior, strived to live on the covenant path and endured faithfully to the end.

Joan is survived by her husband of 67 years, A. Robert Motzkus, her six children, Steve (Alisa Hansen), Ron (Launa Lashley), Susan Swapp (Craig), Diana Condie (Adam), Eric (Emily Jeppson) and Lori Wilkinson (Chris), 23 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, siblings, Robert Erickson, Pamela Hoglund (Ron), Janeen Todd, Christine Layton (Clark) and Leif Erickson. Preceded in death by her mother and father, siblings, Wynn Erickson, Brian Erickson and Wilford Erickson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 16, at the Mount Olympus Ward, 4635 South Lanark Road, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call for a viewing at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Monday, June 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. and at the ward Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 A.M. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.