Eric “ET” Tormoen

Eric T. Tormoen “ET” 67, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at home in Franklin WI, after a long battle of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Progressive Supranuclearpalsy (PSP). He was surrounded by love from his wife Tracy and two daughters, Brittany and Kali.

Eric was born April 27, 1956 in Cherry Point, NC to Susan and the late Terry Tormoen. A year and a half later, they moved to the Midwest where Eric spent his first decade living in IL; both in Evanston and then Lake Bluff. His family moved to WI at age ten. First, to a farm in Rudolph with a cow named Ralph, then to Port Edwards where he spent the rest of his childhood building lifelong friendships. Eric graduated from Port Edwards High School in 1974.

After high school he moved west and attended the University of Colorado Boulder. He was able to balance his time between midterms and moguls, excelling in both his studies and time spent on the slopes. In 1977, he graduated a semester early and received his business degree. In 1978, Eric went on to study at Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management. Not only did he receive his MBA but he also established life long friendships, a.k.a. the “Four Quarter Group”. Eric and our family have been extremely appreciative of the love and support that the Four Quarter group has shown us; especially during his unfortunate battle with his FTD/PSP.

After graduate school, he started working for IBM in Milwaukee. He eventually met Tracy, his “Honey Buns”, whom he married August 8th, 1981. They moved to Houston for a few years before moving to IL. They welcomed their first daughter, Brittany Elizabeth, July 29, 1986. In early 1987, he joined LaSalle Systems Leasing which he helped grow for 30 plus years. November 15, 1991 they welcomed their second daughter, Kali Anna. Their hearts were full with two beautiful daughters. In 1992 they moved from Rolling Meadows to Libertyville, which became home for the next 22 years. He chose Libertyville because it was closer to the Wisconsin border, so as long as he turned his TV antenna to the north, he was able to pick up the Packer game at home. And this was when his Packer Party tradition began…

Eric and his wife loved to host family and friends for all different occasions; holidays, bonfires, backyard parties/celebrations, and of course, Super Bowls. As the girls got older, Saturday tee times were replaced with coaching and cheering them on, through the wins, losses, and trips to the E.R. He was a great motivator and challenged them to be their absolute best.

Eric loved to travel and see the world, but his favorite place to go was the island, “Isle-B-Darned”, in northern Minnesota. His Grandpa “Hoke” Tormoen purchased this 5 acre island of heaven on Lake Vermilion in 1951. Eric spent his life growing up visiting with his family and then carried on that tradition with his wife and two daughters. He loved to go fishing, boating, water skiing, tubing, play competitive card games, grill out, take sunset boat cruises and stargaze past midnight. He only had one rule on the island which he would state at the beginning of each and every trip there with the girls, “There is only one rule on the island…. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, No matter what anyone else tells ya!”

Eric was an extraordinary person, one who left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who was full of life. He was always willing to help and support those who were in need. He never hesitated to offer kind words of wisdom. He was the epitome of strength; even after being diagnosed with FTD/PSP. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Eric is survived by his wife, of 42 years, Tracy; two daughters Brittany (AJ) Schuler, Kali; grandchildren Jackson and Austin Schuler; mother Sue Tormoen, his nine siblings; Christopher (Dolly) Tormoen, Lisa (Richard) Hickey, Casey (Terese) Tormoen, Maddy Tormoen, Jenny (Craig) Forsman, Erin (Tim) Schraeder, Craig (Jill) Tormoen, Ann (Ron) Tatro, and Garth (Anne) Tormoen; his beloved dog Reggie. Eric was preceded in death by his father and step-mother Terry and Lynne Tormoen.

A gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home at 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, on Monday, October 2, 2023, 9:30 AM – 11:15 AM. Celebration of Life at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

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