Illa Mae Nicklaus

Illa Mae Nicklaus, 87, of Rockford, passed away on October 1, 2023. She was born on April 12, 1936, in Strum, Wisconsin, the daughter of Earl and Lucile (Stewart) Heath. She married Richard “Dick” Nicklaus in 2000. Illa worked as an administrative assistant for Janet Wattles Mental Health Services. Illa loved to cook and take care of others. She was a loving, caring, and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Richard “Dick”, Tim (Mary) Sather, Angel (Bruce) Reshel, and Teresa (Keith) Briggs; stepchildren, Sandy Nicklaus, Cindy (Keith) Gabany, and Richard (Dorothy) Nicklaus Jr.; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and multiple siblings. She is predeceased by her parents; daughters, Sheila Higgins and Jami Phillips; and puppy, Trinket.

The family wants to give a special thank you to OSF Hospice for the care of Illa.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.