David S. Heeren

David S. Heeren, 86, of Winnebago, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. He was born on January 22, 1937, to Alvin Roy and Alice Eileen (Shelden) Heeren. Alvin and Alice were originally of German Valley, IL and moved to the Winnebago family farm with his older siblings in 1930, prior to his birth in 1937. He graduated from Winnebago High School, class of 1955. David married Lois I. Goodman on June 18, 1960, at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago.

David grew up, worked and continued to live on his family farm in Winnebago his entire life. He began farming on his own after graduating in 1955. In addition to farming and livestock, in his early years, he substituted as a USPS rural route carrier. Later, while continuing to farm, he operated Heeren Milk Hauling for nearly 40 years. At the time of his passing, he was actively overseeing his 71st harvest.

David served as a 4-H leader for 20 years and was a longtime supporter of the Winnebago County 4-H Fair, hauling milk for the dairy barn during the annual fair. He also served as a Winnebago Township Trustee for 24 years (1997-2021). As a trustee he helped lead the transition of ownership of the Winnebago Town Hall to the Winnebago Historical Society for preservation and continued community use.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. With Lois, David enjoyed square dancing, card club, attending high school basketball games and potluck gatherings with friends. David enjoyed and was proud of his grandsons and in recent years the addition of 2 great grandsons.

David was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 55 years, Lois Heeren; and brother, Karl Heeren. He is survived by his children, Ray (Cathy) Heeren of Winnebago and Kay (Tim) Sullivan of Waukesha, WI; grandsons, Jeremy (Charlotte) Heeren, Jordan (Nikki) Heeren, Taylor, Brenner, and Brady Sullivan; great grandsons, Hunter and Hank Heeren; and his sister, Dorothea Bonavia.

The family would like to thank his longtime caregivers, Cynthia, Nikki, Margaret, Micky and DeLois for their care and companionship.

A visitation will be on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61108. A Funeral Service will be on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago, 208 East Winnebago Street, with Pastor Daren S. Dietmeier officiating. Burial will follow in Winnebago Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be established to benefit 4-H and other community interests. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.