Eric James Hearld

Eric James Hearld, age 49, of Saranac, lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, October 17, 2025. He was born on October 29, 1975, in Ionia, the son of Benedict and Phyllis (Smith) Hearld.

Eric enjoyed being down back watching the wildlife, having campfires and just listening to the Creek. He loved the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. And he hated the Packers. Eric enjoyed his guns, wood burning and collecting baseball cards. His sense of humor was beyond measure. Eric worked in buffing and polishing for over 30 years. He was a finishing manager at WIlkast Inc., a job he took great pride in.

Eric is survived by his wife, Jessica; son, Kameron Conroe and his fiancé, Bayley Steel; stepdaughters, Jeri Martin, Elli and Tristen (Koch) Merrill, Stepson, Kaiden (Ashley) Tyler; sister, Jodi Hearld; father, Ben Hearld and his sweet grandbaby Ivy Martin; nephew, Connor (Kylie) Hearld; niece, Brooklynn Hearld; great nephew Malcolm Hearld; and several aunts, uncles and cousins and a lifetime of friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Smith.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life and benefit breakfast will be held from 9AM - 11AM Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Tavern 1836, 101 N. Westphalia St. Westphalia, MI 48894. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home of Saranac. Online Condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com .