John Heddens Jr.

John William Heddens, Jr., 87, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on Monday, March 30th, 2020 at Luther Oaks assisted living facility in Bloomington.

John (Jack) was born in Chicago on June 22, 1932 to the late John and Maxine (Shoesmith) Heddens, Sr. and grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL with his sister, Helen (Hopely).  He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in accounting.  While there, he met his wife, Margery (Warfield), at the college’s spring carnival.  They married on August 10, 1957 in Urbana.  He was devoted to his wife and family and treasured time spent with his grandchildren.

John was a US Army veteran, serving from 1954 to 1956.  After his military service, John started his career as an accountant.  He spent most of his working life as a banker, beginning as a teller and working his way up to be the head of the First National Bank of Des Plaines.  As a banker, John always believed strongly in supporting the local community.  He was very active in the Rotary Club.

John had a wide variety of interests.  He took great joy in music of all types and always looked forward to performances by his nephews, grandchildren, and other family members.  Also, John was an antique car enthusiast, even building a 1929 Mercedes SSK kit car with his sons.  For a time, he owned a car from the year he was born, a 1932 Chevrolet.  He liked boating with friends and family at Chain O’ Lakes State Park.  Together with his wife, Marge, John enjoyed traveling and taking trips in their RV, golfing, playing bridge, and going to the theater with friends.  A lifelong dog owner, he was never without a beloved dog by his side.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, his children Brad, Eric (Penny), Laurie (Chris), and David, two grandchildren Kathryn and Claire, and three step-grandchildren Lisa, Carly, and Jim, and seven step-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maxine, and his sister, Helen.

Inurnment will be at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee, Illinois.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society or Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (https://www.mhopus.org/).

Warren Funeral Home is assisting the family.