Eric was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 2, 1959, the son of Theodore W. and Marilyn H. (Bergum) Batterman. He attended school in Janesville, Wisconsin, at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Marshall Jr. High School, and graduated from Janesville Craig High School in 1977. Eric was an active member of the school band and orchestra all three years and at his graduation was awarded The John Philip Sousa Award. In 1981, he graduated from Indiana University School of Music with a Percussion Performance degree. Eric was a professional percussionist, keyboard player, composer, arranger, electronic musician and producer. He was accomplished in orchestral percussion as well as a master of jazz, rock and Latin percussion. Early in his career, he was a member of the Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra in Italy. Upon returning to the United States, he toured the U.S. and abroad with major musical acts including 5-1/2 years with "The Lettermen." Later, he started DeTente Music Productions, his own music production company. His compositions and arrangements garnered praises and industry awards. He performed regularly with many top Society bands in the Chicago area. As a recording musician he performed on numerous CDs. Eric was a Chicago resident for the past 25 years. He was a member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208 and Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. Some of Eric's early music honors include: John Philip Sousa Award (Craig High School), member of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, and The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra League's Young Artist Award (Marimba). In 2003, he (DeTente Music) received Screen Magazine's Star Award for Best Original Score (Corporate). Eric's love for music, winning sense of humor, generosity and gentle spirit were gifts to all who knew him. Eric passed away after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at Angels Grace Hospice, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.