Heather M. Eberle

Heather M. Eberle, 49, of Sandwich passed away unexpectedly on July 2nd, 2025 in her home. She was born on March 30, 1976 in Sandwich, Illinois to David Wicks and Darlene Shopinski.

She was united in marriage to Anthony Eberle for 26 years and they spent even more time together before saying, "I DO." Together they had a beautiful daughter.

Over her lifetime, Heather had a love for many things. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping, fishing, playing sports, and going on trips to visit her family in Southern Illinois. In her adult years, she rechanneled her initial passion to be a teacher into years of volunteering at the schools. This included joining a new mother’s support group (many of which became a close-knit family) and heavy involvement participating in school parent groups, which included planning many fundraising events. Heather spent several years working at the bus barn as an aide. Here she made many new friends including one who would become her best friend whom she'd lovingly call "her sister from another mister." She led an active life, and when she wasn't volunteering, she also found her love for bowling and joined a bowling league. As an avid sports mom, she was constantly shuffling and driving between school, club, and Park District events. She would often volunteer to shuttle other girls between games to help out fellow parents in times of need. During softball season she was always taking on the role of scorekeeper so the coaches could keep their eyes on the game. At the end of the day, she loved nothing more than her friends, family, and furry cat companion Asher who also recently passed on.

Heather was always known to have a heart of gold. She would never hesitate to help someone in need no matter how big or small the ask was. One of Heather's many super powers was her ability to pick the perfect gifts for others. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, and it was very likely that she had half of her Christmas shopping done by the month of June every year. Why so early you might ask? She absolutely loved to see the joy on a person's face when they opened their gift that she so thoughtfully planned out. She also loved decorating her house for the holidays, and watching Christmas movies on repeat. Not only was Heather a great gift giver, she was also a fantastic party planner and always perfected every single detail. Everyone always looked forward to playing her signature party game, BINGO, that has been a family tradition for many years. Her contagious laughter, sarcastic jokes, love for minions, and selfless attitude will forever be cherished and missed.

She is survived by her husband Anthony, her daughter Erika (Evan) Underhile, her brother Joshua Wicks, her parents; David Wicks (Sharon Lindvall) and Darlene (Bill) Shopinski, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents; Chuck and Donna Wicks, and maternal grandparents; Al and Betty Thomas/Fred and Shirley Shelton.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations out to the family so they can make a donation to their charity or organization of choice in Heather’s memory. Since Heather loved “Minions” so much, we ask that you please watch any of these movies with your families at your convenience to remember her by.

Visitation will be held Saturday July 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry Street, Sandwich, IL 60548. Following the visitation, there will be a celebration of life at 3:30 p.m. at the West Branch YMCA, 707 South Main Street, Sandwich, IL 60548 for a few hours to celebrate Heather’s life with family and friends.