Jeffrey L. Heckman

Jeffrey L. Heckman, age 53 of Dixon, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at his home in Dixon. He was born on January 5, 1971 in Rockford, the son of Lawrence and Mary Joan (Sutton) Heckman of Dixon. Jeff was a beloved son to Mary Joan and the best brother one could ask for to Chad Heckman (Tallahassee, FL). He was also a loving uncle to his niece and nephews, Juliette, Everett, and Maddox Heckman of Tallahassee and a devoted dog dad to his faithful companion, Titan. His most prized role in his life, however, was that of being a father to his beloved son, Carson Heckman (Des Moines, IA). He loved his son beyond measure and would always say that Carson was his proudest achievement in life. Jeff demonstrated an acute aptitude for music, particularly the piano, which he studied from a young age and continued through his time at Dixon High School, going on to be the accompanist for many areas of music department and staged musical productions under the direction of Jim Wiltz. Jeff was also an avid tennis player in his younger days through high school, earning varsity letters while playing for the Dukes and pretty consistently destroying his younger brother in pick up matches. Jeff was a gifted writer and, after graduating as co-valedictorian from Dixon High School in 1989, he went on to pursue that interest at Bradley University in Peoria where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s Degree in creative writing. Jeff went on after college to dedicate the vast majority of his professional life in service to youth with developmental disabilities with the Children’s Home Association of Illinois located in Peoria, IL. To know him was to love him and wielding his generous affable spirit, he never met a stranger. He will be remembered and deeply missed by those who knew him for his caring and gentle way, quick wit, irreverent (and oftentimes wildly inappropriate) sense of humor and his own unique brand of sarcastic humor that never failed to entertain and delight those around him. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, November 10th starting at 3:00 P.M. at the Woodcote cottage located in Lowell Park in Dixon, IL. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by email to chadheckman@gmail.com with the total number anticipated to attend with you further details will be provided. Those wishing to make a memorial gift may send donations in his name to the Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.

Jeffrey L. Heckman

January 5, 1971 - August 15, 2024