Erika Wilhelmine (Pirsch) Phelps' Obituary
Born November 6, 1929, in Heidelberg, Germany.
Died July 25, 2023, in Fayetteville Arkansas at age 93.
Erika grew up in Heidelberg Germany during WW2. She was 16 when the war ended. In her 20s she went to England and work as a maid in a bed and breakfast. She was standing on the streets of London in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth was coronated.
In 1961 Erika had her first child, Robert Pirsch, in Heidelberg Germany. Sadly, Robert passed away in 2019.
In 1966 Erika married Raymond Phelps in Heidelberg Germany. They met at the US Army base in Heidelberg where Erika worked for the Judge Advocate Division as a translator and received numerous commendations and was highly respected for her work.
They moved to Georgia soon after and in 1967 Erika had her second child, Thomas Phelps, in Fort Benning GA.
Erika lived in Hot Springs AR for the last 50 years. She played a key leadership role in establishing the Oktoberfest in Hot Springs in the 1980s, which drew thousands of people from Arkansas and the surrounding states for many years. When Erika was in her 50s and 60s, many people in Hot Springs knew her name – the mayor, the chamber of commerce, most of the European expats, etc.
In her later years she enjoyed leading groups called “The Silver Foxes” and “The Dancing Ambassadors” who entertained at nursing homes and retirement communities. The other members of the Silver Foxes affectionately called Erika “the drill sergeant” because she kept everybody focused and expected excellence.
Erika lived a full and interesting life focused on honor, duty and community service. The world needs more people like her.
Her ashes will be buried at Little Rock National (VA) Cemetery beside her husband, Raymond.
Erika is survived by:
Sister Lieselotte (Lilo) Rinklin and nephew Rolf Rinklin of Mannheim Germany
Son Thomas Phelps, daughter-in-law Kathy Phelps and grandchildren Matthew and Christine Phelps
Daughter-in-law Stacey Pirsch and grandchildren Jordan and David Pirsch
Erika was preceded in death by:
Husband Raymond Phelps
Son Robert Pirsch
Parents Melanie and Hendrik Pirsch
What’s your fondest memory of Erika?
What’s a lesson you learned from Erika?
Share a story where Erika's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Erika you’ll never forget.
How did Erika make you smile?
