Eric Norman Oldenburg

MADISON - Eric Norman Oldenburg of Madison, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in an accident at the age of 63. Our family is devastated that such a caring and loving husband, father, and friend so full of life has left this earth. Carrying on Eric’s loving spirit is his wife, Lynn; their two sons, Nick and Evan; his sisters, Deb, Laura and Mary; his brothers, Ben and Marshall; and countless wonderful family and friends. Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Florence Oldenburg.

There’s not an obituary large enough for Eric or “Ole,” as he was fondly remembered, and those that knew him would agree.

Eric was born to Norman and Florence Oldenburg on October 14, 1960, as the fourth child of six. Eric was a wild child and ever the socialite, he was never far from his friends often being at the center of large get togethers growing up. It was in high school that Eric first developed his love for woodworking which he would later use to build the home of his dreams. Love was never far from Eric, and on May 9, 1981, he married the love of his life, Lynn, and they would spend 43 wonderful years together and were blessed with two amazing sons, Nick in 1990 and Evan in 1994.

When Eric started working for Custom Decorating for JCPenney he found the perfect job that granted him the freedom to work and be in his children’s lives, often passing up advancement in order to do so, and after 40 years in his craft, his skill was second to none.

There wasn’t a single hobby Eric enjoyed that he didn’t share with his family and friends. One could write a book on his hobbies and skills. Eric did it all and was hands on through and through. Eric was an avid skier and part of the local ski patrol at Devil’s Head, which is where he would teach his sons to ski. Eric was also passionate about backpacking, hiking and camping, often taking the family on hiking trips out West, with Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park being among his favorite places. His hands-on resourcefulness in the backcountry earned him the nickname MacGyver by his backpacking peers and he was always seen heading the charge up the trail. Eric was largely involved with the youth of the community through scouts and youth football. Eric loved volunteering with the Monona Youth Football. Eric dearly treasured all the bonds he made with everyone involved in the program. Eric was active within the youth football community. He began by helping a practice in 2001, then coaching at the PeeWee level and winning several championships, and becoming the director of the league until the day of his death. There weren’t many places Eric could hide that there wasn’t someone he inspired or motivated. Eric had just recently taught his family his final hobby of stained-glass work.

As a husband, Eric was loving, adventurous, very humorous, and smart. Eric and Lynn did everything together. He always ensured he made time for family. Eric’s family was his world. He was easy going, a calm ship in a storm. Eric was there to support at a moment’s notice. He was everything to Lynn.

“If I died today, I’d say I lived a good life.”

As a father, Eric was very hands on. He was present and celebrated in every accomplishment in his children’s lives. Enough can’t possibly be said about him. He was always playing outside with his kids. He was Den Leader and Scout Master for both his sons, a coach for nearly all their sports teams including soccer, tee-ball, flag football, baseball and football. He was a teacher, mentor, and hero. He always had time to listen and advise. He counseled with fairness and never dwelled on one’s mistakes. He made everyone laugh and focused on the good. He instilled the best of himself in his boys and took great pride in the men that they’d become.

“You don’t need to worry unless you see me worry.”

As a friend, Eric would immediately include one in his life. He never had a bad word for anyone. He was always smiling and could take the worst situation and find the silver lining. He inspired confidence and touched the lives of countless people. He was amongst the most reliable and dependable people one could ever hope to meet. A titan of a man. The community has been forever changed because he came our way. He was larger than life. What he did took a heart beyond measure. His memory and message will live on in our hearts. He touched the lives of thousands and elevated all those around him-and he will not be forgotten.

“Talk about the happiness I brought. Talk about the good that I did.”

A memorial service will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420