Mit grosser Betroffenheit habe ich erst jetzt vom Tod von René erfahren. Es macht mich traurig zu wissen, dass er schon so lange nicht mehr unter uns ist. Kennengelernt habe ich ihn damals in St. Gallen, noch bevor er ausgewandert ist. Sein Nachbar fuhr eine Lancia Fulvia, ich eine Alpine – und schnell merkten wir, dass uns die Leidenschaft für Sportwagen und viele gemeinsame Werte verbinden. Auch über unsere Familien in Österreich gab es eine besondere Nähe. Nach seiner Auswanderung kam René jedes Jahr zu unserem Treffen der 1997 gegründeten „Alpine Association Bodensee“. Nach seinem schweren Motorradunfall in den USA reiste er nur noch einmal an. Umso wertvoller sind diese Erinnerungen heute. René – oder „Röne“, wie wir ihn nannten – war ein herzlicher, begeisterungsfähiger Mensch mit Benzin im Blut und einem grossen Herzen. Es bleiben viele schöne Erinnerungen.
Tschüss René. Auch nach all den Jahren bist du in meinen  Gedanken. Fredy Pillinger
I was deeply moved to learn only now of René’s passing. It saddens me to realize that he has been gone for so long. I met him in St. Gallen before he emigrated. His neighbor drove a Lancia Fulvia and I had an Alpine — and we quickly discovered our shared passion for sports cars and many common values. Through our families in Austria, we felt an additional special bond. After moving abroad, René returned each year for the meeting of the “Alpine Association Bodensee,” founded in 1997. Following his serious motorcycle accident in the United States, he was able to attend only once more. Those moments together are all the more precious today. 
René — or “Röne,” as we called him — was a warm-hearted and enthusiastic man with gasoline in his veins and a big heart. Many beautiful memories remain. Goodbye René. Even after all these years, you are in my thoughts. Fredy Pillinger

 Deeply saddened  when I just recently learned that both Eric and Sherri passed.

I met Eric through a trials riding friend  Bob V here in Hickory. My husband and I were meeting up with Bob V and Eric to do some NC back road riding. 

We tore up  the back roads and then tackled the washed out, rained out pitted
out Hwy 105 toward Linville.

 Bob and Eric flew up that distorted mess of a road. Bob on a KTM 450 dual sport Eric on a Suzi 650 street bike  with the  side bags on ( so heavy ) , and my husband and I both on dual sports.  We were all eating plenty of dust that day and had a blast. 

That was the first time we met Eric. We fast became friends. He loved riding and often we would head out to find some winding road. 

He was so helpful with the mechanical issues . He made sure he was the only one to put tires on my mini, insisting it had to be done a particular way.
He sold us our first scooter encouraging us this was a great mode of transportation.

And then we met Sherri and he was really happy. He just beamed being with her and it was obvious she felt the same.
 
I don't think Sherri did much motorcycle riding prior to meeting Eric. Sherri was really game , she threw her leg over that motorcycle and they rode everywhere.  She was a good sport and you could see how much they loved and enjoyed each other.

The last time Eric and I went for a ride he called on a  late afternoon we had a couple of hours before the sun set and the temps dropped. He headed my way and off we went toward South Mountain. We ran all through those back roads , got lost turned around then finally started to head back in the dark and dropping temps.

Well, Eric was riding a SV 650 
dual sport with a relatively large gas tank compared to my Beta 525. Needless to say as we blew down I 40 heading East I started to get that really sick feeling of empty tank syndrome. I was leading and in the left lane and I cranked the throttle as we were in heavy traffic praying I had enough fumes to get around this 18 wheel monster, to then pull off on the side of the road. I got there and then it puttered out. He stopped and we turned it to reserve and we took off, heading back to meet up with Sherri for dinner. 
As I headed south on 321 we waved and I headed home only to empty the tank at the end of the exit ramp. Just didn't have enough to get me home. Thankfully, my neighbor came to the rescue. 
 
I think about these two very kind and sweet people , who met each other later in life and just shake my head thinking this just ain't right. I'm glad they had some time together and that I was fortunate to be apart of that moment in their lives. I so miss you both.

Eric was related to me by way of my mother and her cousin Elfie (Eric's Mom).  Sad to find out he has passed away.  My deepest condolences to Elfie and Eric's family.  He will be missed.  - Alex

So terribly sad to see the passing of him and then his wife Sherrie.  Prayers to all.

So sad to hear of Eric's passing... though I never knew him, he was a friend of many of my friends....

The American Alpine A-310 club is truly saddened with the passing of Eric and Sherrie.  He was always smiling and was an aficionado of both automobiles and motorcycles.  His passion for the motoring world was boundless.  Eric will certainly be missed by all who knew him.

A good Alpine friend, we shared many good moments at Road America, Wisconsin.  We'll miss him.

My deepest condolences to Eric's family and friends. The Gap will not be the same without his great smile, true compassion and wealth of knowledge.

Well this is sad news for sure, hopefully E will find his helmet at the base of a cloud this time. He will surely be missed at the Gap this year and years to come. So sad to hear Sherri is gone also. They were a great couple, have no idea how she did it, but she did, rest in peace both of you and ride safe.

Very sorry to get the news that both Eric and Sherrie are gone. Our world will not be the same without them.

So sorry to hear of Eric's passing.  I met him through the Deal's Gap group.  Eric always had a smile on his face and was full of fun.  I really enjoyed knowing him, he will be missed.

We were so sorry to hear of Eric's passing, then a week later, Sherry's. They were such sweet people. We will miss their smiles. Sincerely, Staff of Dr. Brown

Our yearly Deal's Gap, NC rides will never be the same without Eric. He was always happy and willing to help anyone that he could. He was unique, fun, and very smart. I join many of his fellow motorcycle riders that will miss him. Sure he's riding or driving in the next life.

I have learned that our friend Rene Eric Vonwiller has died only 59 years old.
We learned to know each other in 1998 when he sold me my first Alpine.
He delivered it in my driveway, after running the long way from Sweitzerland to Denmark.
It turned out that Eric was a man you could trust. 
He had promised me a fine Alpine, and had absolutely not promised too much.
It has since been called Perfect, and is still just fine.
Our deepest condolences to the family.

I knew Eric for twenty years and we met up a few times but always kept in touch. I am in deep shock here in France as I was not able to meet up with Eric when he came to Europe. I was not aware of his condition.

Some years ago on one of his famous backroad motorcycle rides, he had a very bad accident and was seriously injured. I wanted to fly over to help, but "Iron-Eric" wanted to get well without troubling anyone. He lived life to the full with a big grin. He will be grinning in heaven right now. 

Adieu my friend.

We know Eric from mutual friends.  He was such a polite person to be around. Please contact us so we can visit and meet up with his surviving family at mdjdphd@gmail.com

My deepest sympathies for your loss. Eric truly was a gentle soul. I worked with Eric for only a short time but it was quickly evident that he was a sweet, funny and caring person. He always had a smile and wonderful stories, he will be missed.

My dearest Rene', AKA...My Baby,

We survived two international weddings (our legal and our church) that took us months to arrange and had us both pulling our hair out to obtain approval! So many other hurdles we jumped together over the years...

We did so much traveling, a month on our honeymoon in Europe, our trip across the United States, Waterflea, our other trips to Europe, designed and built a house together...just so many memories, too many to mention during 15 years; 14 of those years we were married! Although we had to go our separate ways, we made peace quickly and always kept in touch and knew we still loved each other very much! 

Rest in peace! See you on the other side! Until then, you will truly be missed!

Your one and only Mousey...
Sharon Vonwiller

I worked with Eric for a short time, but it didn't take long to realize what a truly wonderful spirit he had. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and I hope that you can find peace knowing that Eric is smiling at us all now with that wonderful smile of his. Keep the memories close in your heart as they will sustain you in the coming days and months. God Bless.

I am so sorry for your loss. Jody Boyd and Family

My prayers and sympathy goes out to all the family and friends...I only worked with Eric for a short time. Eric's smile was infectious and he was always so happy.

My deepest sympathies for the loss your family has endured. I did not know Eric long, but felt a sincere connection to him and knew him to be a great man with a beautiful spirit and a boundless enthusiasm.  I also knew and understood how very deeply he loved his family and I know you will all miss him. May God bless you and keep you, giving you the peace and comfort only He can.

Dear brother
You are still in our heart wherever you are. 
sister Vera & Mamseli
Switzerland / Austria

Rennie was loved by all who knew him.
Really wish I had gotten to spend more time with him. God bless you friend....

Many memories have finally became a Treasure. Life truley will be a bit saddened with the removal of our friend. Thankful to GOD for our time together.

I knew Erich from the German meetings. A wonderful guy with such a beautiful smile for everybody. Smart and kind; it is unthinkable that he is gone. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again. My deepest condolences to the family.

Eric was one in a million and a super great guy. The World will be much less bright without him. Prayers go out to all his friends and family. Truly saddened.

My deepest condolences to Sherrie and family during these most difficult days. Rennie lived life to the fullest and had many friends who grieve with you. Please let us know when his services will be as soon as possible.  Peace in the days ahead,
Martha Garris (828)898-2858.

Rennie was a great friend and one of the most unique, wonderful people I've ever known. He loved life and embraced it with every breath. I'm thankful he found the love of his life and got to spend the last years of his life sharing wonderful adventures with her. My condolences to his family and friends. There will never be another Rennie and I am thankful I got to know him.

OBITUARY

Rene Eric Vonwiller

April 23, 1957 – October 16, 2016

Hickory Funeral Home

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