Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Eric Timothy Allen died at the age of 25 on February 7, 2020.
Let me tell you about Eric Allen or Er Bear, as we like to call him. When he was born we were terrified. He looked so fragile and we knew nothing about special needs.
With great love, he grew into a robust boy. He absolutely adored people. Eric would light up the minute someone came into the room. He crawled over to people and used their laps for a pillow -- such an opportunist.
Eric was driven by MUSIC. He listened to it from the minute he woke up until he fell asleep. He bopped his head from side to side. He would have grooved to the rhythm of the ventilator in his ICU room. Eric was a percussionist. He played the drum, tambourine, and maracas. He was a worshiper -- often crawling to the front of the church to be closer to the band.
Eric had the heart of an athlete. Relying on the strong legs and big hearts of his MTT angels, he ran with myTEAM TRIUMPH, a group that mentors athletes with diverse abilities. Eric especially loved hearing people along the streets cheering for Captain Eric as he ran by. And the cowbells. How he loved the cowbells.
Eric had the unique ability to love unconditionally. People were drawn to him because he had the gift of being a listener or just holding your hand when you needed it. He was adored by so many people. Eric was a groomsman in three weddings -- the most recent being his sister’s. We called him our love warrior.
He had the best belly laugh! It seemed to start in his toes and work its way up.
Eric loved his family and the adventures we took. He kayaked and went ice boating. He loved pontoon rides and Jeep rides as well as snowplow rides. He camped and swam and biked. Eric was always up for a new experience and loved the many strong arms that made sure he was never left behind.
The word that defines Eric is love. Eric was selfless in giving it out. That is why we wanted to continue Eric’s legacy of loving well by allowing him to be an organ donor.
He was our greatest teacher. We pray that the recipients of his organs will be blessed and will love and be loved for many years with this gift from Eric Timothy Allen.
Eric is survived by his parents, Ann and Don Allen, his loving sister Tess, his brother-in-law, Luke Berglund, his grandparents, Lois and Cliff Allen, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends – all of whom we call family.
Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents Dan and Mary Ann Tuchscherer, his Uncle Tim and his Uncle Dan.
We thank the medical staff at Aurora Hospital Oshkosh Emergency and ICU Departments, the Aurora St. Luke’s Neuro ICU, and The Flight for Life. Their professional and compassionate care for Eric and our entire family will never be forgotten. Thank you to the organ donor team at St. Luke’s for allowing Eric to perform one final act of love before he left this earth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Community Church, 2351 Ryf Road in Oshkosh, Saturday, February 15. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00-1:00. A funeral service will follow at 1:00.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Barb Behlen, former CESA Colleague wrote on February 15, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t have any words to ease your pain. Just wanted to send caring thoughts your way.
Pete and Jody Running wrote on February 14, 2020
Though we did not know Eric well, we remember the days that he came to Tess' soccer games to cheer her on. Eric always had a smile on his face and was so sweet natured. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your and the entire Allen Family during this very difficult time. Hugs to all.
Mike and Joan Condon wrote on February 14, 2020
We were so sorry hearing this. What a beautiful tribute to Eric. You and all of your family are in our thoughts today. Sending love and to all of you.
Cindy Bahr wrote on February 14, 2020
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your son/brother, Eric. Wishing your family peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. May his wonderful memory live on in your hearts forever. God's blessing to your family.
Debbie Mahoney wrote on February 14, 2020
What a beautiful tribute of Eric's life. I didn't really know him but I saw you all frequently in worship and was always filled with joy when I heard him respond at services. I've always been impressed by your loving dedication and faithfulness to him and your Lord. Was so glad to know you a bit at the Community garden last summer Ann. May Jesus comfort you in your loss and bless you and your family with many precious memories. I rejoice for Eric at his homecoming and for his Glorious body that he enjoys in heaven . With sincere sympathy for your loss and joy for Eric, Debbie
Colleen Carlson Andres wrote on February 14, 2020
May you find comfort in your memories and strength in the knowledge that Eric truly was loved by all and had an incredible life. You are in my prayers.
Randy dittmer wrote on February 13, 2020
I love this Man and will miss you.
Linda Christensen wrote on February 13, 2020
Don and Ann,
I was so sorry to read about your loss of Eric. Your love for him was so evident by all the wonderful experiences you provided. When you would talk about Eric your faces were full of compassion. He was lucky to have you and Tess. Eric was such a joy to have in class. He always had the biggest smile. He taught me many things and I so enjoyed having him in class. Hugs to you all.
Linda Christensen EC teacher
Gene Thorn wrote on February 13, 2020
Very sorry for your loss. Eric had many great experiences in his short life mainly because of the love that exist in Allen Family. God bless
Sarah Walker wrote on February 12, 2020
Eric your love for life and others shines out here and how much you are cherished and valued by those around you. I wish I had the chance for you to scoot on to my knee. Hope you're dancing at the front with my Sammy x
Linda Pierron wrote on February 12, 2020
Eric continues to live in all of you; and his obituary expresses who he was. It’s beautifully written.....and a tribute to what a full life he led. What a generous last gift he left so those here on earth could live!!! ??
I feel blessed to know your family and the unconditional Christian love you demonstrate daily! Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers! I’m so sorry for your loss!!!
AGRET Gaetan wrote on February 12, 2020
Eric
Je te connaissais très peu mais nous partageons ce maudit syndrome.
J espère que ta vie a été le reflet de ce merveilleux sourire sur la photo.
J espère que tu n as pas souffert et que tu as pu partir en paix.
J espère aussi que tu me protégeras car je n'ai que 3 ans et ma forme est fluctuante.
Sincères condoléances à ta famille car tu as du laisser un grand vide autour de toi
Gaëtan Agret
Craig and Nikki Kulus and family wrote on February 12, 2020
What a beautiful tribute to Eric!! We will always remember his smile and worship at church. I know how much he will be missed, but his heavenly reunion would have been nothing short of amazing!! Praying for your family.
Pat Grahn wrote on February 12, 2020
Ann, Don, and Tess, My deepest sympathies on the passing of Eric. Both Eric and your family are an inspiration to many and a true embodiment of love. Eric's smile was the most beautiful one I have ever seen. I know that you will deeply miss seeing it. How blessed the people are that received Erics organs, hopefully this give you comfort knowing that he lives on in this very special way. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you along with love and hugs.
The Calhoun family wrote on February 12, 2020
I wish words could be more adequate. We grieve for you in your loss. We rejoice with you in your hope. We pray for comfort for you from the Lord in the deepest places that hugs and words could never reach. With Love, the Calhouns
Karen Jewell And Family wrote on February 12, 2020
Broken hearted for all family ??Fly high and may there be music in heaven for you to carry on Eric what a beautiful soul the heavens have received May God give you comfort and peace as he embraces you all at this time of sorrow
John Ebel wrote on February 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I was another captain at the training runs and Fox Cities marathon. Eric is now an angel watching over all of you. May God wrap his arms around you at this difficult time. You will be in our prayers. ??
Mauricio and Stephanie Pereira Da Silva wrote on February 12, 2020
We choose to run with gratitude in our hearts and Eric’s joy in our legs at each and every opportunity. I’m forever grateful for the memories of Eric at our MTT events. Your family is loved in so many ways.
Susan Hoppe wrote on February 12, 2020
My love, prayers, and sympathy to you, Allen family. Eric radiated joy and love to all fortunate enough to know him. He saw and brought out the best in everyone! I treasure the time I spent with him and thank you all for the loving lessons I have learned from your family.
Bridget Connolly Caflisch wrote on February 12, 2020
I am sad and tearful to learn about your loss of Eric. He and I worked together many years ago in school. He was unforgettable and made my job very rewarding. I am thankful to have known him.
Terry Kleinschmidt wrote on February 12, 2020
Eric was such a bright spot in our classroom. We played music together daily and he enjoyed it so much! I loved how you always took him on adventures. He was the definition of what it should look like to be included in all aspects of life. I know how your hearts must be breaking, but what a blessing that he helped others as his last gift to this world.
Prayers.
Ron and Karen Groth wrote on February 12, 2020
We are so sorry to read of Eric's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gail Nelson wrote on February 12, 2020
My deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to all of Eric’s wonderful family. I am beyond grateful I was able to meet Eric and absolutely know God put me by his wonderful family. My prayers are with you all.
LeRoy (Jiggs) and Jan Heller wrote on February 12, 2020
So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. We enjoyed our time with you at the fish fry in January. Eric taught people so much and God certainly picked the best parents and family for his care. God bless and may your memories of him bring smiles!
Christian Jensen wrote on February 12, 2020
From all of us at myTEAM TRIUMPH, we send our most sincere love to the Allen family. Eric has left an immeasurable impact on our lives. We are better for knowing him and will love a little deeper because of his example :)
Randy and Kathy Schultz wrote on February 12, 2020
Don, Ann, Tess and Luke, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Eric was an amazing young man and your whole family has truly shown the rest of us what love really means. Sending you all love and sympathy from Tucson.
Chuck Rhein wrote on February 12, 2020
At the end of Eric's road is a remarkable new beginning that God has promised.for Eric. We will be with you in heart and spirit during these next few days. God Bless and our love Chuck and Mary Rhein.
Lori Fulmer wrote on February 12, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Eric was indeed a special, young man. I often admired your whole family. The love you all shared was evident, in all you did. I am so grateful to have been a small part of his journey. The memory of our little “dance parties” is something I will always treasure. Love and prayers to you all.
Patricia Kopecky wrote on February 12, 2020
Don, Ann, and Tess, my heart is breaking for you. May God hold you close and your memories bring you comfort as you grieve the loss of your son and brother.
Byal Family wrote on February 11, 2020
We are so very sorry for the loss of this special young man. His smile definitely lit up the room and we know he will be missed dearly. Fly with the angels Eric and may your beautiful spirit live on in those you so lovingly helped. Thinking of all of you. All our love from the Byals.
Kerry Blondheim wrote on February 11, 2020
What a beautiful tribute to Eric! The life Eric lived and loved are an inspiration to our family. We learned so much from Eric and his family and have many fond memories of Eric with our MTT family. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and memory remain with us. Holding you guys close in our hearts and prayers!
Diane Braker (Diane Pahl) wrote on February 11, 2020
Allen family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Eric. A child is always with us. First in our lifetime, then forever in our memory. My heart and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
Steve & Lynne Johnson wrote on February 11, 2020
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful young man. Our continued prayers for God’s precious grace as you walk this hard journey. His power will bring peace, strength and joy. Enjoy the memories!