Marvin Erdal

Marvin “Mickey” Erdal, 93, of Lake Bluff IL, passed away on December 24, 2024.
Mickey was born November 5, 1931, and was adopted on December 16, 1931. He grew up in River Forest and graduated from Proviso High School in 1948, where he played basketball and ran track. Mickey then attended Drake University in Iowa where he ran track and joined the Navy Reserves.
After college, Mickey joined the US Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base. He proudly claimed he served aboard the “US Concrete,” as he never actually set foot on a ship during his time of service. While in the Navy, he played softball for the academy team and met his future bride. He married Joyce Jackson in 1954, and they enjoyed 68 years together. Mickey worked briefly for his father-in-law at the Waukegan Post Office before embarking on a 35+ year career with the YMCA where he eventually retired. His 20+ years running Camp Ravenswood in Lake Villa was especially impactful to the lives of his family.
Mickey and Joyce lived most of their lives in Waukegan, IL. Post retirement, they lived briefly in Beverly Hills, FL before settling in Beach Park, IL. Mickey loved attending family sporting events, playing golf and happy hours. But his greatest passion was spending time with his family.
Mickey was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents, Marvin and Florence Erdal, his brother-in-law Joseph Jackson and sister-in-law Beverly Robichaud. He is survived by 5 loving children Dean (Melissa) Erdal, David (Kim) Erdal, Donna (Bob) Lesnak, Douglas (Cindy) Erdal, and Daniel Erdal; 12 grandchildren David, Devin, Betsy, Katlin, Samantha, Mary, Claire, Jordan, Peyton, Brian, Kevin and McKenzie, 12 great grandchildren; and his sister-in-law Margaret Jackson.
Per the family’s wishes, memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.