Ludowici – SGT Erik James Heetland, US Army (Ret.), 40, died Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at his residence. Born in Oklahoma, he grew up following his family during his father’s military career. After graduation from high school, he began his career serving in both the US Air Force and the US Army, retiring from the Army with the rank of SGT. He served with the military police while in the Army serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family. He was a Lutheran.
Survivors are his wife, Karen Heetland of Ludowici; daughters, Giselle Heetland and Tegan Heetland of Ludowici; sons, Hayden Heetland and Wyatt Heetland of Ludowici; parents, Chaplain COL Stephen (Ret.) and LaVonne Heetland of Alamogordo, NM; sister, Elisabeth Zander (Jay) of Columbus, OH; brother, Jesse Heetland (Julie) of Lancaster, OH; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 13, at 1:30 PM at the Howard Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from noon until the hour of service.
Burial with military honors will follow in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.
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