Eric Wilson Heggblom

Eric Wilson Heggblom, 57, died unexpectedly on February 26, 2024, at his residence in St. Louis, MO.   He was born on May 12, 1966, in San Diego, CA, where his father was in training with the United States Navy.  In 1969, his father’s work at O’Hare airport in Chicago, IL, prompted Eric’s parents to move to Rockford, IL, where his mother’s family had lived for decades.  

Eric was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian church.  He attended Rockford public schools, played soccer in middle school and swam breaststroke for Guilford High School, under coach Don May.  Eric graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and was active in Young Republicans.   Following graduation, Eric worked in Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO in marketing, trading, hospitality, construction and horticulture.  Holiday visits were spent with family living in Rockford, IL and in Merrill, WI, also in WA, AZ and KY.

Eric is survived by his father: Allan Gunell Heggblom, mother: Frances Hollingsworth Heggblom, sister: Ellen Kitson Heggblom, nieces: Dorothy Frances Rose and Isabel Mary Rose, nephew: Thomas James Rose, and aunts, uncles and cousins in WA, IL, AZ, KY, MO, OH, PA and Canada.

A private family service and burial will be held at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery in Merrill, WI.

Memorials may be directed in Eric’s memory to either the Klehm Arboretum Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford, IL, 61102 or to the Merrill Historical Society, 102 East 3rd Street, Merrill, WI, 54452.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.   Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.