It is with great sadness the family of Eric Michael Niedbalski announce his peaceful passing on November 19, 2025, at the age of 51, at Evelyn’s House Hospice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. After his glioblastoma diagnosis in March, he faced the months ahead with humor, dignity, and grace.

Eric was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on November 7, 1974, to Richard and Sylvia Niedbalski. He attended Jackson High School and was a 1998 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Finance. He married his college sweetheart, Amy (Chandler), in 2006 and welcomed sons Chandler in 2008 and Chase in 2010. Eric spent his accomplished career in banking working at The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Bank of America, and most recently at U.S. Bank for 13 years. In 2018, he completed his graduate degree at the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Eric was an avid traveler and outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hiking, and boating. His passion for exploration and eye for a great deal took him and Amy to nearly half of the U.S. National Parks and over 25 countries, though he found just as much pleasure sitting on a riverbank with his family, friends, dog, and a cooler of beer. When his sons were young, he served as an active Cub Scout leader, modeling loyalty, service to others, and adventure to a generation of young men. He found his spirit and peace while in nature.

While best known for lighting any space with a bright smile and a sarcastic remark, Eric will be most remembered for his love for his family and friends, his generosity, and his fearless enthusiasm for life. His infectious joy was a staple of his neighborhood, evident in everything from his daily walks with his beloved dog, Sirius, to his love for Halloween. When asked how his loved ones would describe him, “adventurous” and “hilarious” were included in nearly every description. His rare authenticity and larger-than-life charisma were central to stories and cherished memories, along with his devotion to experiencing and sharing all life had to offer. He wore many hats: professional, fun uncle, smart-ass, friend, confidant, mentor, beloved son and brother, proud father, and devoted husband. His legacy lives on in the pride he had in his family and in the memories he created with the many lives he touched.

Loving survivors include his wife, Amy; two children, Chandler and Chase Niedbalski of Sunset Hills, Missouri; his mother, Sylvia Niedbalski of Jackson, Missouri; and his four siblings, Joseph (Patrice) Niedbalski of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Maureen (Doug) Berning of St. Charles, Missouri, Mary (Thor) Hurst of Festus, Missouri, and Melinda (Nils) Kohlmyer of Excelsior, Minnesota. He is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews; Kenrick (Jackie) Niedbalski, Christina (Jeremie) Hubbard, Zachary, Ian, and Aaron Berning, McKenna (Andrew) Hirth, Bristol Hurst, Elena Pry, Anders, Henrik, and Hanna Kohlmyer; one great-nephew, Kayden Hurst; one great-niece, Savannah Niedbalski; and countless loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Niedbalski.

A private family mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson in December, and a private celebration of life will take place in spring 2026.

In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to the Glioblastoma Research Organization or planting a tree in Eric’s memory through the Arbor Day Foundation.