Erik William Brom, 62, WBØNIU, became a silent key Dec. 23, 2021. He was a Winona native who graduated from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Computer Science. In 1982, Erik started his own company, Brom Micro Systems, which he was actively involved with until his death. From 1983 he worked at Lake Center Industries (currently named BCS) and spent 38 years as a Software Design Engineer for automotive HVAC and “center stack” control. In 2016, he started a second business, Goodview Haven, with his family home as a retreat home.

Erik got his license for Amateur Radio in 1975 and belonged to the Winona Amateur Radio Club, where he served on the board as Trustee. He enjoyed the Saturday morning breakfasts held by the club, discussing Amateur Radio and beyond. Throughout his life, he also had an interest in model railroading. He volunteered many hours at the Winona County Historical Society to provide technical support and volunteered and served in various ministries at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart in Winona, including videography, Eucharistic Minister, and Handbell Choir member.

Erik belonged to many organizations, including Minnesota Transportation Museum, Minnesota Street Car Museum, Riverside & Great Northern Railway, Chicago and North Western Historical Society, American Radio Relay League, Winona County Historical Society, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and countless other organizations to which he generously donated his innumerable talents. He is survived by his wife, Jodi (Matejka) Brom, his daughter, Emily (Brom) Smithley and her husband, Philip, of Winona; two grandchildren, Lola and Oliver; one aunt, Jean Gardner of Winona; one mother-in–law, Jeannette Matejka of Rochester, MN; and five cats.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street Winona, at 11 a.m. Sat., Jan. 15. A gathering will take place afterward in Holy Family Hall. Make gifts in his memory to either the Winona Amateur Radio Club Inc. (P.O. Box 1451, Winona, MN, 55987), or the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (360 Main Street, Winona, MN, 55987).