Ryan M. Heideman

Ryan M. Heideman obituary, Rockford, IL

Ryan M. Heideman

Ryan Heideman Obituary

Visit the Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Ryan Michael Heideman, 23, of Roscoe, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026. Born in Rockford, IL, on February 10, 2002, to Kevin and Melissa (Barber) Heideman. Ryan graduated from Hononegah High School in 2020. After finishing high school, he became a welder, which he enjoyed very much, working for MTL Manufacturing and Equipment.

Ryan was one of a kind, a self-taught guitarist and an extremely talented musician, a true punk rocker. He enjoyed playing music and attending concerts of his favorite bands. There was no shortage of laughter being around Ryan; he had a great sense of humor. Known for his impressions, jokes, and funny accents; it was never a dull moment. He liked to stay active, working out at the gym with his brother, Brady, biking, and snowboarding. Ryan kept busy with other hobbies like gaming, going on family trips, traveling to Seattle with his mom, dad and brother was his favorite trip; and of course, rooting for the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs and Bulls. Above all else, he was genuinely a kind and caring person. Despite anything he was going through, he always made sure to look out for others, and he loved his family and friends more than anything.

He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his parents, Kevin and Melissa Heideman; brother, Brady Heideman; grandparents, Sam (Mary) Valenza, Pamela Barber, Bob (Mary) Heideman; great-grandmother, LaWanda Tucker; best friend and love Samantha Simmons; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his grandfather, Bob “Papa” Barber; great-grandparents, Sam (Rose) Valenza, Bob (Mary) Heideman, Phillip (Audrey) Garske, Luther (Barb) Barber, and Vern Tucker.

A Funeral Service for Ryan will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing. A visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service. During the funeral service, friends and family will be encouraged to share their memories of Ryan. Interment will be private at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel

1860 South Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108

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