Phyllis Lorraine Heckman

January 24, 1928 - November 16, 2019

Phyllis Heckman, age 91 of Dixon, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2019. She was born to the late Jon & Elsie Mantsch on January 24, 1928, where she grew up in the West End of Dixon with her siblings, Glen, Sis, Johnny & Bud. Phyllis graduated from Dixon High School and married Dugan Heckman, the love of her life, in June 1946 after Dugan returned from the war. Phyllis was “one of a kind”. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease. She was a confidant to co-workers, friends and most certainly family. Never one to shy away from stating her opinion on a variety of issues, she was always willing to listen to others and offer great advice. Family and friends were Phyllis’ passion and delight. Being born during the depression had an enormous influence on her life. Her awareness and combination of financial and social skills and her ability to stand up for what she believed was right & true, made her a very special woman, mother and friend. She enjoyed a career working as a Lab Technician at Borden’s, Personnel Manager at Anchor Coupling and Bailiff at Lee County Courthouse in Dixon. Throughout their lives, Phyl & Dugan enjoyed many happy times camping on the Spangler farm, hosting numerous parties on their house boat and their homes. The couple lived in Dixon and later in Franklin Grove, where they continued their love for life together while raising their three girls, Becky, Debra & Jeannie. As a mother, Phyllis was like a lioness with her cubs - protector, advisor, ruler but also playful and fun! Phyllis is survived by her 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a number of other loving relatives and close friends. Of note; Cindy LIghtner provided friendship, kindness, love and care through some of the best of times and during Phyllis’s last days. She became a 4th daughter/sister to Phyllis’s family. For those who knew Phyllis, a “Celebration of Life” will be hosted at a the Dixon Elks Lodge on Saturday January 18, 2020 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.