Eric Calvin Orkild

Eric peacefully passed away on June 30, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family just 1 week short of his 85th birthday. Eric was born on July 7, 1939, the fourth child of Carl and Inga (Grethe) Orkild in Highland Park, Illinois. His parents were Danish immigrants, and he grew up on a farm in Northbrook, Illinois, which fostered a strong work ethic. Eric’s curiosity and ambition helped him grow into a very industrious individual. Eric graduated from Glenbrook High School in 1957. He attended University of Illinois where he graduated with a degree in geology. He served in the US Army, Corp of Engineers from 1960-1964 attaining rank of first lieutenant. Upon returning to the states, he attended University of Chicago Business School where he achieved his MBA in Finance. 

The majority of his corporate life was dedicated to 26 years at the Greyhound Corporation. After Greyhound, Eric’s industrious nature kicked into full gear. His life was full of various endeavors including real estate brokerage, stock brokerage and construction, even building his own home and a beautiful cabin retreat for he and his wife, Mary Jo. 

Eric was a devout Catholic who gave much of his time to pray with others through healing prayer ministry as well as being a Eucharistic Minister. He enjoyed working the Fish Fry at St. Joan of Arc Church and was a regular volunteer at the St. Thomas the Apostle annual Rummage Sale. 

Eric was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Mary (Stepan) Orkild; son, Chris (Tracey); daughter, Amy Schwab (Ray); stepchildren, Ann Behring (Karl); Janet Thompson (Ross); Debbie Johnston (Tom); Margaret Davis (David); Tom Johnston; Jennifer Hayes (Greg); 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3801 E. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032 at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 11th, followed by his committal service at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85024.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul in memory of Eric Orkild.