Eric Paul Goldenstein died at home in Laramie on April 8. Eric was born in Denver on December 14, 1958, to William and Shirley (Krieg) Goldenstein. He attended Bethany College in Kansas, where he majored in math and chemistry, earned Academic All-American honors in tennis, and met his wife Cheryl (Mai). The two wed in 1984 and had three sons.
Eric was hired by Phillips Petroleum to manage well treating operations out of their Great Bend, Kansas, field office. He also taught evening math classes at Barton College. Phillips transferred him to their Borger (Texas) refinery to work as an industrial engineering and training analyst. Eric enjoyed training and left Phillips to complete an MEd at the University of Texas at Austin.
Eric joined the human resources department at the University of Wyoming as their training manager in 1999. He later became benefits manager and was an assistant HR director when he retired in 2019. He developed many friendships with UW employees and retirees through his work.
Eric treasured his Christian baptism and was active in teaching and leadership roles in congregations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod throughout his adult life. In Laramie, he served as a deacon for Zion Lutheran Church and on the board for Heart to Heart Pregnancy Resource Center. He repaired Volkswagens with his father and as an after-school job and became a skilled mechanic and talented woodworker. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hiking with his family.
Eric is survived by wife Cheryl; sons Dieter, Mattias (Catherine), and Kai; brother Kurt (Lori); and in-laws and other extended family. The family will hold a private funeral and announce a memorial service at a later date.
The family requests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or Hospice of Laramie in lieu of flowers.
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Eric. He was a wonderful person who often helped us at UW. He will be greatly missed.
I honored the time I spent working on projects with Eric. He was insightful and always welcomed new information about national trends. Deepest condolences
We knew Eric through his job at UW and because our sons played tennis together. In both circumstances he was always so friendly, the kind of person you immediately liked. It was always a pleasure to visit with him and we valued the advice he provided regarding employment/retirement questions. Wish there were more people like Eric in the world; he will be missed by many. Frank and Elizabeth Ono Rahel
Your family is in our hearts and prayers as we celebrate Eric's life in Christ! May our Lord surround you with His everlasting arms of Love and fill you with His Peace!
To Kai and Family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
With great sadness, we read of Eric's passing. What a man of great patience, integrity, and good humor! We appreciated all his support and help through his work at UW. Sending much love to Cheryl and boys...we always took a bit of extra time to visit fondly about family.
I barely knew Eric. He advised me about my retirement paperwork one morning. I recorded that meeting with the title "The day I met Eric." During that conversation, Eric honored me by saying I should get to know his wife after he was gone. We talked about his cancer and about the cancers of my husbands Jose and Eli. Most importantly, we talked about dealing with the loss of a spouse. I assume he enjoyed my comment about Jose becoming my perfect and best friend. I'll always remember Eric as an extraodinary person, able to imagine past his death and put his family before his own confusion. He must have been a good spouse, father and friend. My sincere condolences
So sorry to hear of Eric's passing and my condolences to the family. I worked at UW for a number of years and any interactions with Eric were a pleasure. He was a true professional who cared genuinely about others. He was always quick to say hey neighbor and share his excitement for our retirements. I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts through this difficult time. Melanie Stinson
I had several opportunities to work with Eric: he was professional, patient, and most willing to make situations work out for the best of all parties. He is, without doubt, certainly not replaceable -- and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family. Cindy Ker Elrod.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl and their children. Eric was not only a great co-worker, but wonderful friend and leader. He will be truly missed! Clayleen Rivord
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Sending so much love to Cheryl and your family. Eric and I worked together for many years at UW and he was a wonderful mentor and role model. Keeping you in my thoughts, Janean Forsyth Lefevre