Jerald 'Jerry' L. Heise

Jerald “Jerry” L. Heise, 73, Pecatonica, IL died at 7:00 a.m., Thursday, June 9, 2016 in his home after a very long and tremendous battle with illness.

Born June 29, 1942 in Freeport, IL the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. and Fannie L. (Bird) Heise. Graduated from Pecatonica High School, Class of 1960. Married the former Cynthia D. Wiler in Pecatonica, IL on June 30, 1961. He was employed by Ipsen Ceramic in Pecatonica for 42 years and then by J. Rubin Steel Company in Rockford, retiring in 2007. He was a member of Pecatonica United Methodist Church, where he was the choir director for 25 years, was involved in the Pecatonica Methodist Men’s Group, former financial committee chairman, one of the leaders of the Senior Methodist Youth Fellowship taking them on many trips to various locations and director of the Christmas Cantata for 20 years. He sang for many weddings and funerals, was a member of a Barbershop Quartet for many years and was a member of The Messengers, which included Roger Runte and Richard Lindquist. Jerry helped to paint buildings at the fairgrounds and houses in town. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jerry and Sue Siemens and Bruce and Michelle Harris for their support and care, Heartland Hospice, DaVita Dialysis in Freeport, Pastor Katie, the nurses at OSF Ambulatory Care in Rockford and the VNA Hospice.

Survivors include wife, Cynthia Heise; daughter, Rebecca (Bruce) Mitchell; grandchildren, Brian (fiancé Katie Pontarelli) Mitchell and Scott (Katie) Mitchell; great grandchildren, Carter and Sophia; sisters, Mary Heise, Peggy (Arnold) Sterling and Linda (Donald) Simons; brothers, Leslie (Shirley) Heise and Rodney Heise and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sandra K. Heise.

Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2016 in Pecatonica United Methodist Church, 528 Washington Street, Pecatonica, IL with Reverend Katie Voigt officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. to time of service Wednesday. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL. McCorkle Funeral Home-Countryman Chapel, 529 Washington Street, Pecatonica, IL assisted the family.