Eric T. Hand, age 48, of Kiel, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Eric was born on December 20, 1976, in Milwaukee to Thomas and Anna (O’Neill) Hand.
He grew up in Cascade and attended local schools before graduating from Plymouth High School with the Class of 1995. On August 19, 2006, he married the love of his life, Stacey Lamb, at the Whispering Pines Amphitheater in Kohler-Andrae State Park. Over the years, Eric held various jobs and was most recently employed as an operations manager at Sohn Manufacturing in Elkhart Lake.
A lover of the outdoors and all things nature, Eric enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing (including ice fishing trips up north) and moral mushroom hunting. He especially loved pheasant hunting with his beloved dog and best friend, Isla. Though he might not have admitted it, he was also deeply fond of his cats.
Eric had a special connection with birds—he enjoyed listening to them, identifying different species, and had recently been trying to befriend a crow. A dedicated Wisconsin sports fan, Eric cheered on the Brewers, Packers, Bucks, and Badgers. He was an avid participant in fantasy football, loved disc golf, Star Wars, sci-fi and zombie themes, enjoyed traveling, and a really good cup of coffee. A self-proclaimed foodie, Eric delighted in fine dining with Stacey. Music was a cornerstone of his life; he and Stacey loved attending live concerts together and with friends. Always up for an adventure, Eric explored many Wisconsin State and National Parks with Stacey and Isla. He also enjoyed spending time with close family and friends playing trivia, yard games and listening to music around the campfire.
Eric was known for his big heart, kindness, and sharp wit. Everyone who knew him, knew his bright, big smile and twinkle in his eye. He was clever, funny, and quick with a one-liner. He also had a talent for giving out nicknames. He cherished his childhood friends from Cascade and remained close with them throughout his life.
Eric is survived by his wife, Stacey Hand of Kiel; his father, Tom Hand of Cascade; his sisters, MaryJo (Mike) Stumpf of Tullahoma, TN, Andrea (Bob) Durdin of Plymouth, and Cory Hand of Cascade; nephews Brody and Wyatt; nieces Taylor, Angela, Aubrey, and Lydia; brother-in-law Derek (Emily) Lamb of Cascade; and father-in-law David Lamb of Plymouth. He is further survived by many other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie; sister, Bridget Hand; and mother-in-law, Kathy Lamb.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had a Supervisor who would pull me aside and tell me, “You care too much about your people”…I would argue & provide my logic that “you care about your people, they will care about the Company”. Eric made that very easy & enjoyable. I wish we would have had more time together. Stacey, I am so, so, sorry.
Stacey,
Can't get you off my mind.
And Timmy.
And Andrea.
I'm so so sorry!
Eric was a friend from highschool and after.
Many good times...I adored your Eric.
I loved his big huge smile.
I was so proud of you when you beat Cancer!
Our hearts are broken, but we are going to put them back together and find a way to keep it going.
We got you.
Jesus has Eric.
I'm praying so hard for you ALLLLL!
Sending all my love,
~Shelly
Stacey I’m so very sorry for your loss and your heartache. Eric was a blessing to have among us and will be truly missed by all of the lives he touched. He made so many of us better people with his kind heart. Praying for you as you take these steps of healing.
Stacey & family, so very sorry for the loss of Eric. May God bless you with peace.
Stacey and Cory,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April Scheinoha (former classmate at Cascade and Plymouth)
Had a privilege to work under him a while back as he was my supervisor, he was probably the best supervisor I’ve ever had, he was super laid back and always had a good joke, so so sorry for your loss.
Stacey, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I know you love Eric deeply, and from what I've heard, he was a great man. Praying God brings you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
The little time I spent with Eric at work was always professional, with the occasional joke now and then.
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all.
Stacey, we send our deepest sympathies. No words can change the present but please know that he is still with you and those he loves. Eric was a kind soul and I am sure he will send you messages ways he can and loved, especially music. Take care.
Stacey & family - Deepest sympathies to you all. I did not have the privilege of meeting Eric, but from what I can gather, he was terrific in so many ways. God's blessings to you through this difficult time.
I was fortunate to work with Eric at Curt Joa. Living down the road from him, he always had a smile and a big wave when you saw him. He shared all his knowledge about fishing and I learned so much from him. He was always outgoing and would give the shirt off his back for anyone. He will truly be missed.
I had the opportunity to work with Eric for several years and considered him a good friend. I always enjoyed my time with him, whether we were conversing at work or pheasant hunting the marsh. He was a passionate and caring individual who was as genuine as they come. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I wish I had the chance to tell Eric all he meant to me through out high school. He was selfless, thoughtful, kind and funny. He quickly became part of my family. I have great memories of us stumbling through the teenage years and how safe he always made me feel. Wishing peace for him and all those that love him as I know there are many.
Stacey,
My deepest sympathy to you and yours. May God hold you in His Arms and give you comfort.
I had the opportunity of meeting Eric via my son. We were able to play a few rounds of disc golf over the last few years. He was a great guy and I enjoyed his company. I’m very sorry for your loss.
