Eric Ivan Ganiere, 50, of Blue Mound, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at his home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa with Dan Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Eric was born on September 18, 1975 in Ottawa to Tom and Gayle (Anderson) Ganiere. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School and worked as a Lieutenant at the Illinois Department of Corrections in Decatur for 25 years. Eric married Sara Meyer on July 1, 2000 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Decatur. He loved being outdoors, building abnormally large fires, listening to music, and watching the Bears games.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Ganiere of Blue Mound; his parents, Tom and Gayle Ganiere of Ottawa; three children, Blake (Tina) Ganiere of Niantic, Cole Ganiere, and Paige Ganiere both of Blue Mound; a granddaughter, Evelynn Ganiere of Niantic; his “Little Buddy,” beloved nephew, Kycin Brand of Macon; a brother, Jake (Bryanne) Ganiere; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Knute and Vanette Anderson and his aunt, Ivy.
Pallbearers will be Blake Ganiere, Cole Ganiere, Jake Ganiere, Trent Logue, Shane Hallam, and Spencer Maxwell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Paige Ganiere, Evie Ganiere, Kycin Brand, and Tom Vandervort.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433