Eric Allen Horstman, age 43, passed away unexpectedly on July 6^th at his home.

He was born to the late Sandy Lee and Douglas Horstman on June 24^th 1972 in La Crosse, WI.

Eric had many joys in his life.  He was a mentor and awesome uncle to his many nieces and nephews, and spent many weekends hosting movies nights.  Eric’s pride and joy, Benjamin Horstman, was born on July 3^rd, 2000 to Eric and his previous wife Allison (Lunsford) Copper.  Eric was a wonderful, loving and very proud father.  He so enjoyed taking all of the kids hiking, camping and any other activity that would allow him to share his love of the outdoors with them.  Eric especially loved spending time with family and friends at “The Forty”, which was where the family cabin was located.  There, he would help to care for his elderly grandfather, Arvid, and assist with tasks of caring for the property.  Many memories were shared with Eric around a campfire at this special place, which Eric held dear to his heart.  Eric’s compassion stretched to a multitude of people. He was a very kind and fun loving person, and had a very special love for his family.

Eric met the love of his life and beautiful bride, Kathy Kabat, while working at the Winding Rivers Library System. Eric fell head over heels for her, and Kathy brought so much love and happiness into Eric’s life.  They looked so forward to a wonderful future, and creating many memories together.

Eric is preceded in death by his mother Sandy Lee, aunt Mary “Kitty” Glickman, cousin Ellen Martin, grandparents Henry and Leona Horstman and Arvid and Ruth Lee, great uncle Stanley Sommers and great Aunt Peggy Sommers.

Eric is survived by his wife Kathy Kabat Horstman, son Benjamin Horstman, father Douglas (Kathy) Horstman, Step-Father Leighton Lee, his brothers Michael (Jacci) Horstman, Shawn (Tracey) Horstman, Jerrod Horstman, Douglas (Christina) Horstman, Trent Hoffman, Per (Kaydee) Lee, Ola (Vanessa) Lee, sisters Marla Olson, and Kaia (Dan) Seefelt-Lee, his many nieces and nephews : Samantha (Alex) Koonce, Austin, Shane, and Dakota Horstman, Dylan and Danielle Fields, Ryan (Jackie), Tyler, and Jayme Horstman, Shasta (Nick) Parker, Douglas III, Sienna, Athemia, Keturah, and Fiona Horstman,Kjetil, Haakon, Kaalle, and Lars Seefelt, Mason and Isabella Lee, McKenna and Scarlett Lee and a very special great nephew Aiden Koonce.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm Friday June 10, 2015 at Coulee Region Cremation Group and Funeral Home at 133 Mason St. Onalaska.  Pastor Leistekow will officiate.  A visitation will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the funeral home Friday.