Jon Heckel

Jon Marc Heckel, age 73, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

He was born October 12, 1946 in Kankakee, Illinois the son of Glenn F. and Hazel R. DeMent Heckel.  He married Cathy Lynne Wilkerson on November 10, 2001 in Mt. Sterling and she survives. 

Mr. Heckel worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections for over 30 years retiring as Assistant Warden of Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling in 1999.  

Jon graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and he then graduated in 1973 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Administration.  

Mr. Heckel was an active member of the Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church where he served as church treasurer for many years.

Jon truly enjoyed singing and was a member of several barber shop quartets and chorus’.  He was also an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan and always loved gardening.     

Survivors include his wife Cathy Heckel of Mt. Sterling.  2 children Greg Heckel (Laura) and Greta Ryan (Tom) all of Springfield, Illinois.  2 stepsons Jason Reische (Amanda) and Kurt Reische (Erica) all of Mt. Sterling.  7 grandchildren Kristen and Rebecca Heckel, Addison and Isaac Hedden and Hayden, Grayson and Zoie Reische also survive along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother Ray Heckel and 1 step daughter Brooke Hedden. 

Cremation will be accorded and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020 in the Hersman Cemetery with Pastor Daryl Vermillion and Pastor Angel Rosales officiating. 

There will be no visitation. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church or the Two Rivers Brown County Food Pantry and may be left at or mailed to the Hendricker Funeral Home, 406 South Capitol Avenue, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353.  

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jon Heckel, please visit our floral store.