Getting to Know Rev. Eric Heinekamp
Q: Tell us where you grew up.
A: I was raised in the western suburbs of Chicago until I got married. After that I spent time in Colorado, Michigan, and California before moving back to Illinois.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I graduated from Lisle High School (go Lions!), have a BA (Political Science) from University of Illinois, MBA from the University of Michigan, and an MDiv from McCormick Seminary
Q: Tell us about your immediate family.
A: I married my high school sweetheart, Patty, and as of March 15, have been happily married 40 years. We have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. Our family is very close and we all talk or text every day.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My favorite past-time is home renovation. I recently finished a 21’ x 15’ wood deck and did it all myself. My next project is remodeling a home bathroom.
Q: What was the last movie or TV show you really enjoyed and why?
A: In preparation for this new role my wife and I binge watched all 7 seasons of West Wing to learn about what it’s like to lead a complex organization.
Q: What type of music do you enjoy listening to - do you sing or play an instrument?
A: My smart speaker is generally on NPR, Christian, or Classic Rock. My wife I and usually visit Ravinia twice a year and have seen great bands like Chicago, Moody Blues, Santana, and Jethro Tull. I sing, but if you want to know how well you’d have to ask those who have heard me. I played piano and trombone in high school. That was a long time ago.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: My family camped a lot when I was a child. I still don’t know how my parents did it with 3 kids, a big dog, an old tent, and all the gear as we traveled the country in an old station wagon.
Q: Do you have a recently read non-fiction book to recommend? A fiction book?
A: For recreation reading I love political thrillers like Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, or anything by Tom Clancy.
