April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
We keep Chris and his amazing spirit in our hearts today and always. He was taken from us far too soon but his creativity, warmth and kindness continue to inspire.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Christopher Wayne Hieggelke, 32, born on October 4, 1985 and passed away on April 22, 2018. We will remember him forever.
Words cannot express how devastated we are to announce the untimely passing of our dear brother and beloved son Christopher. While we may never understand why he was taken so soon, we were blessed to have him bring so much happiness and light to our lives. Full of enthusiasm for life, a contagious smile and a genuinely warm heart, he will never be forgotten.
“No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.” - Author Unknown
With love,
Dawn, Michelle, Julie and Tracey
We are overwhelmed with gratitude from all of your heartfelt words of love and support. Please continue to share stories, pictures and memories to rememberingchieggel@gmail.com. They are a blessing through this difficult time.
**Celebration of Life Gathering for Christopher will be held Friday, May 4, 2018 from 10:30am - 12:30pm at Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012.
**Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 26, 2018: Visitation at 10:00am and Memorial Service at 11:00am at Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 South Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134.
Memorials can be directed to any of his favorite charities:
Housing Works
SAGE
PAWS NY
New York Restoration Project (NYRP)
Tributes
Leave a tribute
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
I didn't know this young man. An email about his birthday was delivered to my inbox and I thought I should come check him out.
My own son passed at age 19 in 2011, so I know first-hand what it's like to lose a young man like Christopher. He too has a memorial page with Forever Missed.
My heartfelt condolences to your family, Christopher. This world couldn't afford to lose you. You are missed. God Bless xxxx
My own son passed at age 19 in 2011, so I know first-hand what it's like to lose a young man like Christopher. He too has a memorial page with Forever Missed.
My heartfelt condolences to your family, Christopher. This world couldn't afford to lose you. You are missed. God Bless xxxx
May 21, 2018
May 21, 2018
Although I never met Christopher personally, I had the privilege of working for and with his father Dennis while at Exelon. Dennis shared many stories of his family, of his bride Dawn and children. He was so proud of all his children and spoke of Christopher often as well. My prayers go out to the Hieggelke Family. Have comfort in knowing Christopher is flying high with his father Dennis, watching over you all. Sending healing prayers, Darlene Zawojski, Exelon
May 1, 2018
May 1, 2018
The girls told me about Chris. The Wahlstrom Helgren’s have never forgotten the kindness of the Heiggelke’s when we moved to the East Side. You are all in our prayers.
April 26, 2018
April 26, 2018
I’m deeply sad and moved since I discovered yesterday that Chris passed away. We spent great times together during my exchange program at Stony Brook University and he was one of the few that was always nice, supportive and welcoming to me. We also had the chance to cross our paths again when he visited Rome and I lived there. I wish I had more time to get to know this beautiful soul. RIP
April 25, 2018
April 25, 2018
I am so shocked to read this. I haven’t spoke to Chris for years and only knew him for a very short time while he was on a gap year in Spain. He was brilliant though and a good friend to me when I didn’t have many. He encouraged me to speak Spanish and was just the loveliest person. I am so sorry for your loss x
April 25, 2018
April 25, 2018
Chris was a truly amazing person. I am honored to have known him as my friend and will cherish the memories he gave me.
April 24, 2018
April 24, 2018
Chris' smile was one to light up a room. He had a calm presence to him and always was willing to give a hug. As he joins his dad in heaven, they will together watch out for their beautiful, amazing and caring 4 women who they have left here on this earth. Sending love to you all during this time of remembering of your brother and son who left us all too soon. Hugs and love to all of you! Until we meet again Chris!
April 24, 2018
April 24, 2018
I still can't believe this and in shock. I will always remember him as the cheerful, handsome young man who walked in on his first job, to join our team in NY. He was always smiling, gentle, eager to learn and help. My last communication was after I left that project when I wanted some information, he happily sent me and requested me for the Indian Dal recipe. I will never get a chance to ask him if he tried that recipe. RIP Chris! God took you away too soon!
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
We keep Chris and his amazing spirit in our hearts today and always. He was taken from us far too soon but his creativity, warmth and kindness continue to inspire.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
I didn't know this young man. An email about his birthday was delivered to my inbox and I thought I should come check him out.
My own son passed at age 19 in 2011, so I know first-hand what it's like to lose a young man like Christopher. He too has a memorial page with Forever Missed.
My heartfelt condolences to your family, Christopher. This world couldn't afford to lose you. You are missed. God Bless xxxx
My own son passed at age 19 in 2011, so I know first-hand what it's like to lose a young man like Christopher. He too has a memorial page with Forever Missed.
My heartfelt condolences to your family, Christopher. This world couldn't afford to lose you. You are missed. God Bless xxxx
May 21, 2018
May 21, 2018
Although I never met Christopher personally, I had the privilege of working for and with his father Dennis while at Exelon. Dennis shared many stories of his family, of his bride Dawn and children. He was so proud of all his children and spoke of Christopher often as well. My prayers go out to the Hieggelke Family. Have comfort in knowing Christopher is flying high with his father Dennis, watching over you all. Sending healing prayers, Darlene Zawojski, Exelon
Gallery
Guess who was there to cheer me on for a half marathon?
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![[009747]](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/c/h/christopher-hieggelke/p/0985452_235x235_fa65cd.jpg)
France 2009 021
chris grad 1
Blue, Chris, and Tasha!
Mom and Chris in NYC
October 2010 009
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His Life
Obituary
May 20, 2018
Christopher Wayne Hieggelke grew up in Ottawa, Illinois. At a young age, his love of travel began with family road trips across the US. After visiting relatives in Germany at 14, his passion for studying foreign language and culture was born. While in high school, his family moved to Bettendorf, Iowa. During high school and college, he spent two years studying abroad in Europe and South America. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Spanish from Iowa State University. After graduation, he took a year off to be an English teaching assistant in France.
In 2010, Chris moved to New York City to begin his career with Accenture as a consultant, where he focused on Communications/Organizational Effectiveness. His schedule allowed for plenty of travel in between projects. Always putting family and friends first, he never hesitated to travel for an event or to check on a friend. His wanderlust attitude allowed him to effortlessly connect with others around the globe and create meaningful lifelong friendships. By age 30, he had traveled to 26 countries on four continents.
In July 2017, he accepted a position with Slalom Consulting in New York City, where he worked with Estée Lauder. He was able to fully express his creativity and truly loved going to work everyday. Chris was excited to be able to spend more time in New York City and concentrate on his health and fitness goals.
Chris was a kind, gentle, and beautiful soul-a thoughtful and selfless friend to many. He was a true delight to everyone around him always sharing his laughter, humor, and wit. He had the ability to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary, whether creating an itinerary for a visiting friend or serving a 3-course brunch for friends in his closet-sized apartment. Chris will be deeply missed and remembered affectionately by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
His father, Dennis, preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Dawn, and his sisters, Michelle (Joseph) Saltiel, Julie (Eric) Krohn, Tracey (Darrell) Stiennen and several nieces and nephews.
Recent stories
My Bad French
May 21, 2018
I met Chris and Mark Blacke at a bar in Chelsea back in October 2017 for the first time. It was easy to be drawn to Chris's beautiful smile and kind , and handsome disposition. I met Chris first and then Mark arrived. Learning that Mark was from Strasbourg, I was delighted to say I had been there, and the I thought their Cathedral was the most beautiful and the city charming. I explained I was going to Paris for the first time in the spring of 2018. They both taught me how to pronounce "Place de Vosges" and "Pavillion de la Reine" The place where I would be staying. I have just returned from Paris to sadly learn of Chris's passing. I will always remember the laughter of that evening. I offer my condolences to all those who loved and knew him...
An amazing dinner
April 30, 2018
by Sam Ewenczyk
Chris loved cooking. We would watch SNL, Will and Grace, or Sister Act together.
April 25, 2018
This was one of my favorite Christopher moments. He showed up at the apartment with this enormous [terrible] painting of Zeus, and was so proud of it. I always appreciated how much he found value in strange kitsch. Our home was full of really interesting oddities!