Gregory J. Heidel

Gregory Jay “Hawger” Heidel – July 28th, 1967 – October 10th, 2022

“The Man Behind the Bar”

After a weary day you stop at a place where people gather. As you grab your stool and settle in, you are greeted by a man: the man behind the bar. He greets you warmly, as if you were his longtime friend. As he takes your order with a smile, you begin to wonder about this man. You may not know any details about his life, but you are comforted by his presence. The man grabs a glass from under the bar. You may not know that this man was an outstanding athlete, who won numerous awards and accolades in wrestling and football. He has records that stand to this day. The man lifts the glass to the tap and expertly pours your beer. You may not know that this man dutifully served as a sheriff’s deputy for over a decade, where he risked his life for the safety of others. The man is a protector. As the man jokes with his patrons, you see the kindness in his eyes. You may not know this man has a zest for life; he has traveled the globe in search of adventure. His passion and positive spirit bring others inspiration. He brings your drink, and sets it down with care. You may not realize the man is a son, father, grandfather, uncle. The man loves his family deeply. As the man turns away you notice his size and strength. The size and strength of his body is yet smaller than his courage. You could never imagine the battles the man is fighting. As you finish your drink and begin to leave, you turn to take one last look at the man. You realize you will miss the man, and you hope to see him again.

Gregory Jay Heidel, 55, Chicago, passed away peacefully on October 10th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Gregory is survived by his mother, Brenda Heidel of Roscoe, IL; son, Bryan (Hailee) Heidel and their children Blaire and Harrison all of Palmer, AK; son, Joshua Heidel of Washington, DC; daughter, Sarah Heidel of Rockford, IL; son Jared Heidel, of Rockford, IL; brother, Stephen (Julie) Heidel and their children Olivia and Sophia all of Roscoe, IL; and brother, Christopher Heidel of Roscoe, IL. He is predeceased by his father, Harry Jay Heidel. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Visitation is to be held on Saturday, October 22nd, from 1-3 pm, with funeral service beginning at 3pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home at 1860 S. Mulford, Rd in Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Be The Match Foundation.