Mr. Erik A. Moraga

Erik was born on February 24, 1940, in Oruro, Bolivia, the oldest child, to Luiz Alberto Moraga Decker and Ida Adela Lenzi Terán. He immigrated to the United States with his family, where they eventually settled in Marinette, Wisconsin. After Erik graduated from Marinette High School in 1959, he went on to college at the University of Wisconsin. During his collegiate studies, Erik simultaneously pursued his passion for aviation, learned to skydive, and ultimately realized his dream of earning his pilot’s license.

Interrupting his studies at the university, Erik enlisted into the U.S. Army during the early part of the Vietnam War. He worked as an aircraft mechanic while stationed at Finthen Army Airfield, near Mainz, Germany, and enjoyed sightseeing in Europe while he was there. Erik was a member of a flying club and enjoyed flying gliders also. After his tour of duty, he returned to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the university. He continued to be an inspirational leader and mentor to others. Erik was honored to be appointed squadron commander for the Brown County Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol, where he met his wife, Pamela. He died just days from what would have been their 47th wedding anniversary.

In 1975, in the later years of the Vietnam War, Erik re-enlisted in the U.S. Army with his wife, Pamela. They went to electronics training in the Southeastern U.S. and later were based out of EUCOM with the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Stuttgart, Germany. Both of their children, a son, and daughter, were born in Germany. After Erik’s tour, he returned to the U.S., working in various technical and aviation-related positions. Erik was extremely proud of his family and was successful in raising two amazing children. He spent significant quality time with them and actively mentored and inspired them to pursue their dreams. His efforts were also vital in making it possible for his wife to have a long, successful senior executive career that required many corporate moves across the United States. Erik’s ancestors founded the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was pleased to explore and make his family’s home for four years.

Erik officially retired in 2005, during which he continued to pursue his interests. His passions were varied and included aviation, flying, aircraft modeling, travel, reading, and photography. He enjoyed attending the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Air Adventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with his family - a tradition that started decades earlier with his wife. He shared his interest in flying, skydiving, and astronomy with his daughter and his interest in automobiles and mechanics with his son. Erik loved sailing and enjoyed cruises with his wife, Pamela. His favorite trips were to Australia, New Zealand, the Norwegian Fiords, Caribbean Islands, Greek Islands, Russia, Baltic Capitals, and Alaska.

Erik was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his spouse, two children, four siblings, and many other family and friends residing across the United States.

* * * * * * * * * *

Erik Alexander Moraga, 81, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on January 7, 2022, due to complications from COVID-19. He was an amazing man, as well as a loving husband and father.

Erik was born on February 24, 1940, in Oruro, Bolivia, the oldest child, to Luiz Alberto Moraga Decker and Ida Adela Lenzi Terán. He immigrated to the United States with his family, where they eventually settled in Marinette, Wisconsin. After Erik graduated from Marinette High School in 1959, he went on to college at the University of Wisconsin. During his collegiate studies, Erik simultaneously pursued his passion for aviation, learned to skydive, and ultimately realized his dream of earning his pilot’s license.

Interrupting his studies at the university, Erik enlisted into the U.S. Army during the early part of the Vietnam War. He worked as an aircraft mechanic while stationed at Finthen Army Airfield, near Mainz, Germany, and enjoyed sightseeing in Europe while he was there. Erik was a member of a flying club and enjoyed flying gliders also. After his tour of duty, he returned to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the university. He continued to be an inspirational leader and mentor to others. Erik was honored to be appointed squadron commander for the Brown County Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol, where he met his wife, Pamela. He died just days from what would have been their 47th wedding anniversary.

In 1975, in the later years of the Vietnam War, Erik re-enlisted in the U.S. Army with his wife, Pamela. They went to electronics training in the Southeastern U.S. and later were based out of EUCOM with the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Stuttgart, Germany. Both of their children, a son, and daughter, were born in Germany. After Erik’s tour, he returned to the U.S., working in various technical and aviation-related positions. Erik was extremely proud of his family and was successful in raising two amazing children. He spent significant quality time with them and actively mentored and inspired them to pursue their dreams. His efforts were also vital in making it possible for his wife to have a long, successful senior executive career that required many corporate moves across the United States. Erik’s ancestors founded the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was pleased to explore and make his family’s home for four years.

Erik officially retired in 2005, during which he continued to pursue his interests. His passions were varied and included aviation, flying, aircraft modeling, travel, reading, and photography. He enjoyed attending the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Air Adventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with his family - a tradition that started decades earlier with his wife. He shared his interest in flying, skydiving, and astronomy with his daughter and his interest in automobiles and mechanics with his son. Erik loved sailing and enjoyed cruises with his wife, Pamela. His favorite trips were to Australia, New Zealand, the Norwegian Fiords, Caribbean Islands, Greek Islands, Russia, Baltic Capitals, and Alaska.

Erik was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his spouse, two children, four siblings, and many other family and friends residing across the United States.

A visitation for Erik will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034, followed by a Celebration of Life service from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Entombment will take place immediately following the service from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034. Afterward, the family will receive friends for a reception in the Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home hall from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

If you wish to send flowers in honor of Erik Moraga please contact Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com.

If you wish to make a memorial contribution in Erik's name please do so to the American Kidney Fund at https://www.kidneyfund.org/ or 800-638-8299 or by clicking the link below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Moraga family.