James S. Heinen Obituary (1964

James S. Heinen, 53, of Durand, IL, departed his earthly life at 10:10 p.m., Saturday, June 24, 2017 after a courageous battle with ALS. Born June 6, 1964, in Freeport, IL, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George and Priscilla (Krase) Heinen. He was raised in Durand, IL and graduated from Durand High School, Class of 1983. Jim was a gifted athlete at Durand and excelled in football, basketball and track. Jim was skilled at working with his hands and operating heavy machinery. Due to his prodigious development, he was already working for the Meissen farms as a young adolescent. He continued to enjoy farming in various capacities as he progressed toward his eventual career as a heavy equipment operator. Jim became a proud member of the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139, working on many infrastructure projects throughout the area. Jim was a friend to all, always giving of his time to help others, no matter how difficult the project. He enjoyed being busy with whatever project was at hand. He was meticulous and organized to a fault, always drawing a good-natured ribbing from his brothers and friends on the surgical cleanliness of his garage floor. But most of all Jim was a caring person to all, a proud father to his cherished Nicole and Jacob, and loving partner to his soul-mate Heidi. His big heart is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends. Survivors include daughter Nicole Heinen of New Orleans, LA; son Jacob Heinen of Janesville, WI; father George Heinen of Durand, IL; brothers Paul (Renee) Heinen of Davis, IL and Dan Heinen of Durand, IL; significant other Heidi Kramar of Durand, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Priscilla Heinen and brother Mark Heinen. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 606 W Main St, Durand, IL. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Durand, IL. A visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home- Durand Chapel, 101 W Main Street, Durand, IL, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2017 with a rosary to be recited at 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W State St, Rockford, IL, 61102 or ALS Association, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037-0022.