He was a lifelong resident of Blackwell, and spent his life farming and serving his town. He was the Town Treasurer from 1945 to 1974, and served as Assessor in 1975. Eric also belonged to many civic and church groups, such as serving on the FHA Board. On September 30, 1939, he married Helen McKinney at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wabeno. She preceded him in death on May 22, 1987. Throughout life, Eric enjoyed bowling, dancing, snowmobiling, and his trips to Florida.
He was also proud of his family, and would often go to his son, Ron's, house to visit, and telling his son and daughter-in-law that he was just there to visit with their cat and dog. He also enjoyed the days when the family and the dog would come down to visit him at the nursing home. Eric is survived by his children: Carole (Ron) Braun of Bryant, WI and Ronald (Jenny) Henkel of Blackwell, WI; five grandchildren, Debora Socia of Milwaukee, WI, Robert Braun of Milwaukee, Erick (Peggy) Henkel of Laona, WI; Samantha (Mike) Johnvin of Blackwell; Niall Henkel of Laona; six great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret (Clarence) Rogge; his parents; an infant brother, Roger; a grandson, Alan Braun; and his wife, Helen. Honoring Eric as pallbearers were his five grandchildren and a great-grandchild, Rian Socia.
Friends called at the Suminski Funeral Home in Wabeno where Pastor Craig Korth led a short prayer service. Funeral service was held Saturday, April 1, 2000, 1 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wabeno. Interment followed at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Wabeno. Suminski Funeral Home of Wabeno served the family.