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Heather Krueger Obituary
Heather lived a life marked by fierce independence, and love for her far-flung family and wide-ranging group of friends. Her treasured friends formed a tight-knit circle that she embraced with all her heart-sharing laughter, support, and countless memories.
With a career in event planning, she often lent her talents to friends and loved ones. Whether organizing gatherings or simply showing up with one of her famous "vats" of pasta e fagioli at the Lantern-a favorite local spot for trivia nights, watching sports and community-Heather made sure no one went hungry. And if you took home leftovers, you knew better than to forget to return the Tupperware, or "No soup for you!"
A passionate Chicago Bears fan, Heather approached football season with equal parts hope and humor. She relished the chance to complain about coaching decisions, referee calls, and infamous moments like the "double doink"-but always with the enduring optimism that "There's always next year!"
She was incredibly proud of her two nephews and took great joy in their accomplishments and marriages. Her pride in them was evident to all who knew her. She showered her friends' children with attention and affection and relished being "Auntie Heather" to many.
Heather never met a 'doggo' she didn't like. Growing up in a family that adored Snoopy, she took to the adage, "Happiness is a warm puppy."
Heather's faith gives us hope that she is finally at true peace.
"My soul will rest in Your embrace, For I am Yours and You are Mine."
Heather is preceded in death by her mother, Valerie (Eberman) Wolbrink; her father, John Walsh; and her grandparents. She is survived by her Aunt Laurie Eberman; Uncle Rick (Carm) Eberman; Uncle Larry Froehlich; Stepmother Yvonne Walsh; Brother Scott Walsh (Sheryl); Sister Beth Speckhard (Steve); Nephews Jacob Speckhard (Mariah) and Garrit Speckhard (Amanda); as well as several cousins and their children.
A memorial event will be planned in the future in Naperville, Illinois.
May Heather's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
15 Entries
Roxie Esposiro
August 8, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear about Heather. Her Dad and my Dad were 1st cousins and best friends. My condolences to her family and friends.
Pamela
July 25, 2025
Dearest Heather, you were the brightest Angel on Earth now in Heaven. You were the best friend to everyone and I will never forget you. Scott, she loved you more than anyone just know she is your guardian Angel forever more.
Deepest condolences,
Pam
Stephanie (Smith) Piatz
June 6, 2025
This is one of many photos of Heather with my family and I. From walking with me around Fox valley to kick start my labor to dancing with me at my wedding. The 30 plus years she has been aroyndwill always be cherished.She is one of my favorite humans. Her heart bigger than life will certainly be missed. The world needs more of her light, her love her laughter. I love you always boo.
Debbie Arrundale
April 16, 2025
Dearest Heather, I will miss you, dear friend. The world feels a little less bright without you. Your were a beautiful woman, inside and out, supporting me since we moved here during Covid in 2020 from the UK. You always gave me the biggest hugs, called me baby girl, cooked wonderful food and I will miss your empty seat at the Lantern bar. You just weren't a friend, you were chosen family. Until we meet again, all my love, Debs xx
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Maria Rohloff
April 14, 2025
Classy, sassy, smart, warm, gorgeous, kind Heather had it all. I will miss all her Facebook posts and hearing about all the fabulous events she planned! Loved her so!
Kristen Zeller
April 12, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about Heather´s passing. Heather was a server at Olive Garden by Fox Valley Mall. I would sat her people at her station. Heather´s spirits will always remain in our hearts from your Olive Garden family. We love you , we honor you , and cherish you
Kristen Zeller
April 12, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about Heather `s passing. Heather was a server at Olive Garden by Fox Valley mall. I would sat her people at her station. Heather´s spirits will always remain in our hearts from your Olive Garden family. We love you , We are honor you , and cherish you .
Chrissy
April 12, 2025
Good times!
Chrissy
April 11, 2025
Awe Heath, there are no words.
Thank you for always being in my corner no matter what and taking care of everyone you loved.
I know my kiddos (Jackson of course at the front of the line) greeted you as soon as you arrived. Tell all of them and your dad I say hello. I´ll see ya when I see ya lady.
Micky
April 10, 2025
Please say hi to our buddy Winston at the Rainbow Bridge. He protected you loyally and loved you strongly.
What many may not know about you.
An avid motorcycle passenger traveling thousands of miles sun, rain, daylight or dark and never complaining
White water rafting... ya it took some convincing but you rocked it
A rifleman with Kruegers Ruger
Loved to fish especially when coach was on the boat
HUGE supporter of the Ride Janie Ride juvenile cancer foundation
The more people she could cook for the happier she was
Does anyone know she flew an ATV 4 wheeler, stuck the landing but rolled it getting pinned under the machine and got up laughing
Is an absolute hotel snob traveling with her was always an adventure.
But above it all if you were her friend, family or someone she worked with she was fiercely loyal, tiny but tough, knocked down 7 got up 8. Hey H you´ll be missed but thank you for the smiles, laughter
.
Barb Keefe
April 9, 2025
I honestly don't know what to say. I am in shock. Heather.....we grew up together. I have so many memories of us at the lake. Listening to John Denver or the Eagles. Cleaning the house. You eating bowls and bowls of macaroni with butter and salt. My best memories are that lake. Over the years we gre apart, came back together, grew apart, came back together. We watched the Bears together, yelling at the TV. We'd meet for lunch and I would get home at 9:00 PM! When I picked up the lawn furniture from you, and saw how close you lived to my office, we talked about getting together. That never happened. Just last week, as I returned to the office three days a week, I told myself I would reach out to you and set up a dinner date. We had so much catching up to do. My heart is so sad. Heaven just got brighter. You were always a shining light with the biggest heart. Rest in Peace my cousin. You will be so missed.
Scott Walsh
April 9, 2025
I miss you so very much, Heather. The pain is almost unbearable. May you rest in peace until I see you again. I´m sorry I didn´t look out for you as well as I should have. Your memory will live on in my heart forever, baby sister. Peace to you. ~ Scotty
Sue (Krause) Kallal
April 8, 2025
A beautifully written tribute to Heather. She was a light in every room she entered. She had a big heart, a love of life, and a spunky spirit. She was so loved by those that she called friends. Fly to the angels, your dear parents, and Jesus. Save me a seat. Sending love.
Sue (Krause) Kallal
Jerry struckmeyer
April 8, 2025
I love you, heather.We'll never forget you
A
April 8, 2025
You were unapologetically you, and that´s why you were loved
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