Eric David Harstad, age 54 of Hudson, WI, passed away June 17, 2015.

Eric was born on November 2, 1960 in Le Sueur, MN, the son of Gordon and Betty (Steinbring) Harstad. He attended Orono High School where he played hockey and football, graduating in 1978. Eric played collegiate football at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he studied business. He was married to Lynn Willdanger and together they had two children, Hunter and Emma who live in Somerset, WI with their mother, Lynn Harstad.  Eric cherished the time he spent with his children. A true outdoorsman, Eric took Emma and Hunter on hunting outings, and loved to take them fishing in his boat whenever possible.  He made many goose hunting trips to Canada. In past years, Eric enjoyed participating in Glenwood City’s Competitive Mud Racing  in Chilly Willy CJ2A, the vehicle he and his partners had built.

Eric was first employed by Loweys where he eventually acquired his own sales territory.  He later worked for Craig Nelson, owner of the New Richmond Carpet Center.  Eric was proud of his contributions in helping to grow the business from the beginning.  Eric was a good salesman, very knowledgable about floor coverings of all kinds, and excelled in measurement and calculations. 

Eric had multiple talents, and was also employed by the Kinnic Falls Treatment Center.  He first worked as a Support Tech for the residents; and eventually was promoted to Facilities Manager.  Eric was proud of every milestone he reached, in his struggle with the disease that intermittently overtook his life.  He was an active member of the New Richmond AA.   

Eric will remain in the hearts of his friends and relatives who will miss his quick wit, thoughtfulness, and his willingness to always lend a hand. Relatives include his son, Hunter; daughter, Emma; siblings, Terry (Cheryl) Harstad of Georgetown, TX, and Randi (Lee) Erickson of Hudson, WI; nieces and nephews, Clayton and Cara Harstad; Wyatt,  Rachel (Utesch,) and Nathan Erickson. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial service will be held at the church Eric attended, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, on Thursday, July 23 at 4:00 PM, with visitation at 3:00 PM.  A meal will follow the service. The church is located at 285 County Road E, Houlton, WI. Memorials will go to the New Richmond AA.