Eric Pachner

Eric Pachner, 88, long time resident of Arbor Trace in Naples, Florida passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday afternoon, October 15, 2016 at the Frances Georgeson Hospice House in Naples, FL. Eric was born March 3, 1928 in Vienna, Austria to Robert Pachner and Elsa (Deller) Pachner. They emigrated to America in 1939. Eric married Patricia Marie Pendergast on April 10, 1953. Eric and Patricia lived in Milwaukee, Mequon, and West Bend, and had four sons. Patricia preceded Eric in death after a short but courageous battle with cancer in 1990. Following Patricia’s death, Eric met Ella Miller, and was her dear friend and partner for over 20 years. Eric and Ella lived briefly in Illinois, then relocated to Southwest Florida in 2002. After Ella passed away, Eric moved to The Arbor Trace Community in Naples, FL. It was there he met Merle Bauser, his love, best friend and partner until his death. After graduating from high school, Eric attended the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his career, Eric possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own weekly newspaper in Milwaukee, which he eventually sold. He then served as editor for the Wisconsin CIO news, a job that he held until until the merger of the CIO and the AFL. For a time, he was a restaurateur and retailer of consumer electronics. For most of his career, he worked in the insurance industry, first as an agent, and later in an executive capacity. After retiring, Eric found inspiration and a deep passion for painting. He studied art and art history extensively, and he created countless pieces of beautiful artwork including oil based paintings and sketches, for which he was very proud. His artwork was exhibited at various local galleries; he contributed as a mentor to the art program at Arbor Trace; and he was an active member of the Estero Art League. Eric also made many contributions to writing for community newsletters, including The Arbor Trace newsletter. Surviving are Eric and Patricia’s 4 sons, George (Lavonne) Pachner, Robert W. (Susan) Pachner, William (Jane) Pachner, and Thomas Pachner. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren: Danny Mitchell, Rebecca Pachner, Christy Pachner Freeman, Michelle Pachner Eder, Catherine (Katie) Pachner, Margaret (Margie) Pachner, Robert Alan (Brick) Pachner, and Lily Pachner; and 2 great grandchildren: Sylvia Freeman and Kyle Copeland. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Arbor Trace; to Eric’s physicians, nurses and caregivers including those at Arbor Glen, and to the staff at the Frances Georgeson Hospice House for their exceptional care in his final days. In addition, Eric’s family will be eternally grateful to Eric’s best friend and partner, Merle Bauser, for the joy and love that she shared with Eric in the final years of his life. A memorial service will be held at Arbor Trace in Naples, Florida on Thursday, 10/20/16 at 9am. Based on the wishes of Eric and his loved ones, the family will hold a private scattering of the ashes at locations in Florida and Wisconsin that were meaningful and dear to Eric. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Eric Pachner

March 3, 1928 - October 15, 2016