Eric Charles Bittlingmaier departed this world on June 25, 2026. Intelligence, humor, dedication, and humility defined Eric throughout his life.

Born on March 31, 1962 in New Rochelle, NY, he moved with his family to the Chicago suburbs, then Purchase, NY, and finally Centennial, Colorado outside of Denver, at the age of 12. It was there that he developed a lifelong passion for sports that never wavered in spite of being a committed fan of Chicago sports teams.

Eric began developing the work ethic and leadership skills that would define his life while still in high school. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was starting first baseman for the Arapahoe High School baseball team that won the 1980 state championship.

His baseball skills and academic achievements won him a scholarship to Valparaiso University where he continued playing baseball while earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Eric took his degree and went to work at Martin Marietta Aerospace. True to his tremendous intelligence and technical talent, Eric became a literal rocket scientist. But like every endeavor of his, Eric approached rocket science in his own way—with personality, humility, and humor. He had a great sense of humor that he used to connect with the world around him and make others feel comfortable.

Eric’s next career move was to McDonald’s, where over nearly 30 years, he rose to the position of Senior Development Director. In this role, he advised the CEO, Board of Directors, and other company leadership on McDonald’s business growth and development around the world.

Eric’s intelligence, work ethic, and sense of humor earned him admiration and respect from everyone who knew and worked with him, whether he was advising senior management on company strategy, bringing out the best from new engineers on his team, or sharing a meal with friends and family on a summer evening in his backyard.

Eric’s proudest achievement at McDonald’s, however, had little to do with business. It was finding the courage to ask a colleague named Katie on a date. Two years later, that colleague became his wife, and in 2006, Eric took on his proudest and most rewarding job: guiding, encouraging, and leading their daughter Grace to grow into the beautiful, intelligent person she has become.

Eric was a dedicated member of St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton for over 30 years. At the family’s home in Wheaton and their cabin in Reedsburg, WI, Eric and Katie found joy together through steady improvements and “engineered” upgrades. The Bittlingmaiers were constantly welcoming family and friends to holiday celebrations and parties, for which Eric was menu planner and master chef. A passionate backyard farmer, he generously shared his annual harvests with friends and family: vegetables both fresh and canned, delicious pickles, and his spicy giardiniera and sauces. Eric also carried on his father’s passion for model railroading, combining his personal craftsmanship and creativity with his engineering mind in all his builds.

Wherever he was, Eric was likely the most intelligent, most accomplished, most well-traveled person in the room, but you never knew it unless you asked—and then he was generous with all of it. He was generous with his time, his knowledge, his humor, and his respect: respectful of everyone, wherever they were in their life’s journey. And he didn’t have to agree with you or your beliefs in order to respect you and your beliefs; he was always lighthearted, inclusive, and welcoming.

Along with his devoted friend, partner, and wife of 22 years, Katie Bittlingmaier; and daughter, Grace; Eric is survived by his sisters, Lynn Fagerhaug (late Jerry) and Ellen Helm (Rick); as well as many nieces, nephews, countless friends, former colleagues, and business associates around the world.

Eric’s passing was preceded by those of his father, Roy Bittlingmaier; his mother, Lillian Bittlingmaier; his mother-in-law, Ro Brunton; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Fagerhaug.

Eric’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, and the example he set through a life marked by integrity, curiosity, generosity, and Grace.

Visitation will be held on August 1, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 410 North Cross Street, Wheaton, IL 60187. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:00 a.m., also at St. John Lutheran Church. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Eric are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life so well lived.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to your local Ronald McDonald House Charities (www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org) or Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org).