Eric Jeffrey von Ladau
October 18, 1951 – June 2, 2025

Eric Jeffrey von Ladau, 73, of Sweet Home, passed away from a recent battle with cancer, Monday, June 2, 2025.

Eric has resided in Sweet Home for the past 16 years. He was raised in California, Eric decided one day he had enough of the heat and desert terrain and headed north where there are four seasons and beautiful greenery. His passion for being in nature landed him a perfect home where he could feed the deer at night and the birds and squirrels during the day.

In his younger years, Eric worked hard as a cement mason and went on to work on bridges around the northwest. Eric’s true passion, where he forgot about time and space was climbing mountains to mine for gold and finding rocks. He had dozens of stories he enjoyed sharing about his experiences, having his mining equipment dropped from a helicopter and bringing in supplies by mules, and even a close encounter with a black bear. One of his all-time favorite experiences – visiting Australia and mining for opals, and when he returned home, he would spend endless hours polishing stones and creating beautiful jewelry.

Eric is survived by his daughter Julia Thomas, and four grandchildren Zaviar, Parker, Joshua, and Emma: his son Aaron von Ladau, and his sisters-in-law Debbie Standard and Karolyn Chapman. His recent love was his beautiful dog Charlie, he was truly Eric’s best friend till the end of his life. Eric had a circle of friends who stayed in touch and meant so much to him throughout his life. Gary, Stan, and Randy were three longtime friends that meant the world to Eric, and he was fortunate to have them in his life till the end.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.