Eric Edwin Downing, 57, of Ontario passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison from a massive heart attack and other complications.
Eric was born in Hillsboro on Aug. 6, 1953, to Paul and Carol (Benbo) Downing. He married Norlyn (Lynn) Meran of the Philippines on June 21, 2008. They were together for only a short time, but their love was very special.
He graduated from Royall High School in Elroy in 1971. From 1971–1975, he served in the United States Navy, sailing to many countries. Stationed in Norfolk, Va., Eric was on the USS John F. Kennedy.
Eric attended Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse, studying carpentry. He built bridges for Pertzsch, worked as a maintenance man for the Hillsboro and Elroy nursing homes, was an electrician at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tomah, and worked as a building inspector at Fort McCoy.
Eric was a member of the Kendall American Legion. He truly enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards. With his quick wit and good sense of humor, he brought many smiles to people.
Eric is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their son, Jandric; his son, Steven (Tyler), and grandson, Zane, all of Tomah; his daughter, Lucille of La Crosse; his mother, Carol of Kendall; a sister, Paula Jean (Stuart) Thayer of La Valle; two brothers, Scott (Daguin) and Aaron, both of Kendall; a sister, Jennifer Downing of Wilton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; along with many friends.
Eric was preceded in death by his father, Paul; his son, Eugene; a brother, Alan; and a brother-in-law, Brian Smith.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Faith Independent Baptist Church, Ontario. Pastor Michael Gjefle will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. Cremation will take place after services, and he and his son Eugene’s ashes will be placed on Lookout Point, a place on the farm he grew up and lived on.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
