Eric J. Flesch

FITCHBURG - Eric John Flesch, age 45, of Fitchburg, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. He was born on July 5, 1979, in Madison, the son of John and Jeanne Flesch. Eric graduated from Edgewood High School, Class of 1998 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Eric was a star athlete and sports enthusiast. At a young age, he started diving and golfing at Nakoma Country Club. Eric loved to share that he still held a dive record on display at the Nakoma pool. In high school, Eric excelled as a left-handed varsity pitcher and quarterback. As an accomplished golfer, one of his favorite memories was golfing in Ireland at Ballybunion with his father, uncles, and cousins. Some of our favorite stories come from traveling with Eric, such as the sibling backpacking trip to Australia with the National Outdoor Leadership School. He would take two more NOLS trips and many more world travel adventures with family and friends. Eric was a humorous storyteller with a great big, barrel laugh. He loved spending time with family and friends at our cottage. Manitowish Waters lakes will be quieter this summer without Eric whipping around his nieces and nephews on our boat. He was a friend to all and was truly larger than life. Eric was also a loving dog parent to his basset hound, Louis, who was generously given to him for his birthday this summer by his significant other. His past basset hound, Fred, patiently awaited Eric's arrival at heaven's gate.

Eric was a devoted son, protective brother, a pillar of comfort to his family, and the fun uncle of every child's dream. He had the rare gift of making others feel seen, appreciated, and cared for. All who loved Eric will miss his big bear hugs, selfless generosity, and extraordinary ability to choose the perfect gift. These small gestures spoke volumes about how much attention Eric paid to others. He was a lifelong Wisconsin Badgers fan, and an expert on cooking a great steak. He loved Brewers baseball, skiing out west or up north, and water skiing on the lakes of Wisconsin. Eric made every event bigger and more fun, and he will be genuinely missed.

Eric is survived by his mother, Jeanne Flesch; sisters, Jessica (Cory Buye) Flesch Buye and Amy (Sean Blum) Flesch; nieces and nephews, Ella, Emilia, Jack, Joe, Johnathan, and Michael; his basset hound, Lou; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, John Flesch; grandparents, Gordon and Rosy Flesch and Robert and Loretta Stalker; and his first basset hound, Fred.

A memorial service will be held at THE EDGEWATER HOTEL, Grand Ballroom, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The celebration of Eric’s life will continue at NAKOMA COUNTRY CLUB, 4145 Country Club Road, Madison, beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. All family and friends are encouraged to wear navy blue or Badgers gear instead of black in honor of Eric. A private family burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PKD Foundation, https://pkdcure.org/give/, First Tee of South Central Wisconsin, https://firstteescw.org/ways-to-give/, to the  American Family Children's Hospital, https://www.uwhealth.org/philanthropy, or to the Clean Lakes Alliance, https://www.cleanlakesalliance.org/donate/.

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

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002