Eric H. Pangman

FITCHBURG - Eric Hale Pangman, age 78, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, April 20, 2024. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved husband and father. Born in Rochester, N.Y., to Hale Pangman and Elizabeth Viergiver Pangman, he spent his formative years in Mclean, Va., "the backyard of the CIA." There he discovered his lifelong love of nature-- the woods, river and birds.

In 1965, Eric joined the U.S. Navy and spent the next four years serving in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Vietnam. He was so proud to go to D.C. on the Honor Flight several years ago.

After attending college in North Carolina where he majored in physical education, Eric started traveling the country working as a youth counselor for outdoor challenge programs in Maine and the Florida Everglades. For two summers he worked as a river guide in the Grand Canyon, taking people 252 miles down the Colorado River, a trip he and his wife repeated in the early 90s. After landing in Madison he continued his work with teens at Odyssey and Sojourn House.

Eric married Gloria Pofahl-Pangman, his pride and joy, on April 25, 1987, and in 1990 they welcomed their daughter, Haley. Through the years, he also cared for his beloved dogs, Jack, Roscoe, Milo and Clif.

Eric finished his career in car and motorcycle sales at Kayser, Zimbrick, Stark and Englehart. In retirement he worked as a concierge at the Edgewater Hotel and became a daily "gym rat." He loved his winter trips to Florida - the beach, fishing and oysters - and his summer trips to the Mountain West, always via the scenic route.

Eric will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and the way he took to the open road -- for his exceptional taste in music, food and motorcycles, for his unwavering strength and perseverance, and for the way he deeply cared for and loved his family, friends and animals.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria ; daughter, Haley; and sister-in-law, Sally Pofahl. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Annie Gilley; mother-in-law, Charmaine Monroe; and brother-in-law, Terry Pofahl.

A celebration of life will be held at the JOHN WALL PAVILION IN TENNEY PARK, 402 N. Thornton Ave., Madison, Wis., from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

Rest in peace Eric, EP, Dad. Your legend lives on, and you continue to inspire us every day.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002