Erik R. Heilman

Erik Russell Heilman, of Carey, passed away from Earth to Heaven on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the age of 28, two days away from his 29th birthday.

Erik was born March 17, 1994, in Fremont, to Jeanne Heilman and Kent Heilman and resided in Old Fort. He attended Old Fort Schools along with Vanguard where he studied Culinary Arts and graduating in 2012. From there he attended Hocking Community College in Hocking Hills, continuing in Culinary.

When Erik was 19 months old, he was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and his death was due to complications from his illness.

Erik resided in Carey and was employed at Diamond Door in Upper Sandusky. He enjoyed his job and talked highly of his co-workers. He was also involved with Civil War & WWII re-enactments which allowed him to bring his love of history to life by performing battle scenes to live audiences. When he wasn’t at work or performing, he was with his brother, Bradley Heilman hanging out playing video games, going to dinner, or watching movies.

Erik is survived by his mother, Jeanne Heilman of Sandusky, his father, Kent (Erin) Heilman of Old Fort, a brother, Bradley Heilman of Old Fort and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Erik was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Richard Heilman and Patricia Heilman, aunt, Christa Heilman, uncles, Keith Whitman and Greg Guttenberger, a cousin Barron Guttenberger along with his maternal grandparents, Henry Greenwald, Nancy Fleming and an aunt, Nikki Besse.

Although Erik’s life was filled with the constant ups & downs of living with Diabetes he never let it rule him. He was active, happy and was well liked by those who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services for Erik will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services on Thursday, at Pleasant Union cemetery in Old Fort.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or to the American Civil War Museum of Ohio. 

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