"Eric, to post one memory would be far too difficult. You were my right hand my best friend for such a long time before situations put us on separate paths. I wish we had reconnected sooner, but none the less that does not ease the pain in my heart I felt when I was told of your fate. I will miss you but fear not the memories I have of our time together will live on in my heart forever and continue to bring a smile to my face. Love you..."
In loving memory of
Eric A. Gaulke
December 7, 1977 - September 15, 2021
Eric A. Gaulke, 43 of Winona, died Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
Eric was born December 7, 1977 in Winona. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, including hunting ginseng, morels and agates. He was talented at woodworking and loved music and animals.
He is survived by his mom, Kathy Benson; brothers, Josh and Sean Benson; children, Gavin, Kayla and Gabe; grandmother, Rose Lewinski; biological father, Don Gaulke and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Randy Benson.
A visitation will take place from 3 -4 p.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center with a short service at 4 p.m.
Please share a memory of Eric and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"R.I.P.
Tracy&Brad"
"Eric is and will always be one of my best friends. Went years between even talking, but every reunion started with the hug you would give a brother. This has been really hard. All my thoughts and condolences to his family. Joe Farren"
"Our Prayer\'s Are With The Benson Family, Eric you will be missed we have very fond memories of you in the short time we have known you and how much, And how you loved helping others. "
"Eric, you were one of the good ones that I could always count on. Not only were you kind, but you were authentic and a genuinely nice guy. I will always remember the road trips we took to and from Winona and the times we?d spend just hanging out talking for hours. I love you and I?m going to miss you Eric. Fly high my friend. "
"Eric, ever since I met you 7 years ago you decided to call me Ma. I really was proud of that title and I felt we had a mother, son connection bond from that moment on!! I was so proud of you for being stand up and working the jobs you decided to get and being proud of yourself!! You I never had a son but we bonded, fought, argued and respected each other no matter what. Yoy knew I would be there for you when you needed a place to be safe when everyone else disappointed you and we got to know each other and you found out you could trust me no matter what. My son you will be missed desperately!!!!!!! God has you now and you will be able to watch over everyone you love. You are an Angel and you are free. Love and will miss you always. Ma"
"I learned a lot from being friends with you for almost 30 years!!! I bought my first saw after watching what u cud do with wood. I?ll still never change my mind about those dang agates. I?m gonna miss you but I?ll see you again my friend. Trisha Fenske"
"You were the best neighbor I could?ve asked to have while I was pregnant. Always there willing to help me with anything I asked, no matter how ridiculous it may have been! You were a great friend and are definitely going to be missed by everyone who knew you. "
"I am at a loss for words, may Prayers and strength guide your family during this difficult time. Eric, This is a tough one. There are so many thoughts..so many memories.you have touched many people\'s lives. Fly that drone nice and high that I gave you. Rest in peace buddy. Lots of love Tami and Jason"
"Eric I miss you. I mean so else is going to pat me down with mud after a savage underground bee attack, ginseng hunting? Who\'s going to play boyz in the hood louder? Or wash the truck\'s side by side? So many memories we had together, and cut short. Your in the deepest part of my heart and will be missed, I love you man "
"SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS BENSON FAMILY RANDY S THERE TO MEET HIM "