Eric A. Heid, 62, of Yelm, Washington, died peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.
He was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1961 to Emil and Carita Heid, and he was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Eric joined the U.S. Army directly after graduating high school, proudly following in the footsteps of two generations of family. Over a 20-year career, he was assigned to and led teams within the 7th and 1st Special Forces groups. He was a combat dive supervisor and military freefall parachutist, and he traveled the world in defense of the United States. Eric was committed to his faith and his Crossroads Community Covenant Church family. He volunteered his time to the church, Yelm Community Schools and the Special Forces Association. This time often involved using his talent of cooking to share food. Most of all, he loved his family and was the biggest supporter of his children.
Eric is survived by his wife, Wendy Wilson-Heid; three children, Austyn, Alexander and Addyson; grandchild, Liam; his parents, Emil and Carita Heid; and two siblings, Anne and Steve.
A burial ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, at Tahoma National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Crossroads Community Covenant Church the following day, March 16, at 3 p.m. All those who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.
Donations to the Special Forces Association Chapter 16 (https://www.sfachapter16.org/) or Crossroads (https://www.crossroadscov.com/give) would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.
