Eric Thomas Melby, 68, of New Lisbon passed away peacefully, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at Gundersen Health System.

Eric was born Sept. 5, 1950, to Thomas F. Melby and Michaelyn M. (Nowak) Melby and graduated from Central High School in La Crosse in 1968. He was employed by the city of New Lisbon for 28 years.

Eric was a very talented musician and music was his first and forever love. One of his first bands was The Ladds. Later, he became a member of the band Flying Free, which performed country wide. They were the house band for The Playboy Club in Phoenix and where they were the opening band for Three Dog Night, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and The Grateful Dead. Eric continued to play, teach, write, record and share his music until the very end.

Eric is survived by his sons, Jason Melby, of Pardeeville, Wis., Eric Jr. Melby of Portage, Wis.; his daughter, Michelle Baker of Pardeeville; many grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; his brother, Jeff (Bea) Melby; sisters, Jane (Melby) (Michael) Dean, Michaelyn (Melby) Hyde; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Eric's wishes are to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Health System Critical Care Unit and Palliative Care for their outstanding care and support. Fossum Funeral Home is assisting the family.

(Photo is from 1967 CHS yearbook)