Erik D. Gulbrandsen

Erik Douglas Gulbrandsen passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the age of 52. He was born on April 4, 1973, in Milwaukee to Peter and Judith (nee Herlache) Gulbrandsen and grew up in Waukesha. He attended Waukesha South High School and graduated in 1991. Erik was someone who was constantly learning and furthering his knowledge. He attended some college where he focused his interests in IT and Software Development but mostly was self-taught. Most recently Erik worked for Associated Bank as a VP Full Stack Developer.

In 2001 Erik married his High School sweetheart Kathy in Jamaica, and together they resided in Eagle building their lives together. Having known each other since Central Middle School where he told a mutual friend that he was going to marry Kathy someday, it was a long time coming. Together they built a life with one another, and with their dog Bentley or more affectionately referred to as Bentley Bug-A-Boo by Erik. He was also known for his catch phrases such as “Man-Shewww” and “Uff-da!” Erik had love for Kathy, Bentley, and of course the Las Vegas Raiders as he was a diehard fan. When it came time to relax you could find Erik enjoying the outdoors looking at the constellations, going fishing, and smoking a good cigar. Spending time with family and friends was also important to him, and he was a man with an extremely large heart who put others first as he was known for going out of his way to help others regardless the situation. Even in death Erik still thought of others deciding to be an organ and tissue donor. He will be missed more than words can say and had such an impact on so many lives.

Erik is survived by wife Kathy (nee Schultz) Gulbrandsen; mother, Judy (nee Herlache) Gulbrandsen; siblings, Signe (Brett) Redner and Kristjan (Yuan Gao) Gulbrandsen; sister-in-law, Laura (Ray) Hosterman; nephews, Garrett Redner and Gavin Gao Gulbrandsen; nieces, Gabriella Gao Gulbrandsen, Montanna Hosterman, Meaghan Hosterman, Samantha Hosterman, Brooklyn Hosterman and Kennedy Hosterman; and great-nephew, Jett Hosterman. Further survived by other aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his father Peter Gulbrandsen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 South Grand Avenue, Waukesha from 4:00 p.m. until the 7:00 p.m. Time of Sharing. Erik will be laid to rest privately on Friday at Prairie Home Cemetery.