Eric L. Heikes

Eric L. Heikes, 59, of Petersburg, IL, passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2024. Eric was born June 24, 1964, to Leon and Carolyn (nee Fidler) Heikes at Graham Hospital in Canton, Illinois. He always described his childhood as “idealistic”, while growing up in Fairview, Illinois when a deep love of the outdoors was instilled in him during his time as a Boy Scout. He graduated from Spoon River Valley High School, Class of ’83. He played for the football and wrestling teams while completing his Bachelor’s degree at Illinois College. Eric married the love of his life, Sarah (nee Ridings) October 6, 1990, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Illinois. He and Sarah moved to Petersburg, Illinois where they raised their family and have stayed, long-term. He was a Retail Manager at Camping World where he truly enjoyed being. Some of Eric’s favorite things included, but were not limited to hunting, beekeeping and passing that knowledge onto his son, fishing, doing anything outdoors while simultaneously being a part-time couch potato, “harassing” his wife, constantly joking, taking care and coddling the cats he claimed he didn’t want in the first place, reading science fiction novels, but above all else, loving his family with a strong, but light-hearted love. He was always cracking jokes and making people laugh and this is one of the things that will stay with his family for the rest of their lives. Eric is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Sarah Heikes; his children, Katherine Heikes and William Heikes; his cats, Sassy, Oreo, and Timon; his parents, Leon and Carolyn Heikes; siblings, Scott Heikes and Melinda Heikes-Seiler. Eric was preceded in death by both sets of his grandparents. A Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church of Petersburg located at 221 W. Jackson St, Petersburg, IL 62675. The Memorial Service will be held by Pastor John Vidakovich and Pastor Rick Pierce. Eric’s final resting place will be at Fiatt Cemetery in Cuba, Illinois at a later date. Suggested Memorials could be made in Eric’s name to the American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice. The woods where he loved to hunt on his family’s property will always be a special place for his family to remember him and his memory. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

Eric L. Heikes

June 24, 1964 - February 26, 2024

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