Eric William Kmetz, a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away Oct 7, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. He was born to Frank Kmetz and Debra Lowe Smith in Belleville, Illinois, on December 21, 1979. Eric graduated from Gibault Catholic High School, Waterloo, Illinois.

Eric was a true animal lover, and especially loved his dog Tiny, basketball (he could tell you the stats from any game on any date he played throughout his 4 years of high school), Texas hold 'em, and most of all, he loved his nephews and nieces. Eric was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. A true jolly soul- he came home from the hospital on Christmas morning wrapped in a candy cane made by nurses. He kept up with St. Nick's giving-spirit all throughout his life; if he was down to his last dollar and saw that someone needed it more than him, he would hand it over without hesitation. His heart of gold will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Randy's Rescue Ranch.

Eric is preceded in death by his grandparents Francis "Frank" and Christine "Tina" Kmetz,  and Harry and Joyce Lowe; and an uncle Eric William Kmetz.

He is survived by his parents Frank Kmetz and Debra Lowe Smith; his sisters Angela Maulding Kmetz and Elizabeth (David) Clubb; brother Anthony "Tony" Kmetz;  aunts Deana Lowe Batson, Dianne (Bill) Ahrens, and Kitty Kmetz; uncles John (Donna) Lowe, Alan (Cindy) Kmetz, and Charles (Jan) Dehn; nephews and nieces Andrew, Alexa, Hannah, Ava, and Colton; and several loving cousins.

Visitation will be at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, from 1 – 3 pm, Sunday, October 16, 2022, followed by a Memorial Service to begin at 3 pm. A Reception will follow at the American Legion in O´Fallon, Ill. All are welcome to attend.