Owen L. Heinrich

Owen L. Heinrich, 90, of Rockford, entered into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Born in Leota, Missouri, on May 13, 1935, to Phillip “Doc” and Nellie (Burgess) Heinrich. He attended West Plains High School and moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1953. He married Lillian Santee in Rockford on August 6, 1955. Owen entered active duty with the U.S. Army serving in Korea and Texas from 1958 until 1960. He worked as a mechanic at various redi-mix companies in Rockford throughout the years; after retiring from the Teamsters in 1997, he continued to work until he was in his 80’s. He spent his entire life caring for his family by working hard at everything he did. There wasn’t a house project he couldn’t fix, and he helped many family members and friends with countless construction projects over the years. In 1989, he accepted the Lord as his Savior and dedicated the rest of his life to serving faithfully at Rockford United General Baptist Church as a member, Trustee and choir member, along with working on many maintenance projects at the church. He enjoyed church activities, fishing, boating, gardening, working on various house projects, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Every birthday and holiday was celebrated and spent together. Above all else, he was a hard-working family man who doted on his wife and was a very proud Papa.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Lillian; children, Susanne Armstrong, Cathy Champion, Michael Heinrich, Lisa (Gregg) Jacobson; grandchildren, Brent (Natalie) Armstrong, Nicholas (Alecia) Heinrich, Emily (Gabriel) Salinas, Matthew Jacobson; great-grandchild, Preston Heinrich; sister, Opal Alsup; brother, Phillip (Sharon) Heinrich; brother-in-law, Lee (Mary) King, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings, Juanita Lockard, Carmel Thomas, Helen Belts, Gladys Lunn, Thelma Rhine, and Norma Hale.

A special thank you to the staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, PA Peterson and Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care.

A visitation for Owen will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Rockford United General Baptist Church, 3126 Marshall Street, Rockford, IL 61109. Burial to immediately follow at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.