Edward Francis Heppner

Ed was born in Peoria on September 29, 1929, the son of Edward and Laura Combs Heppner. A lifelong resident of the area, he graduated from Manual High School in 1947.

He married Bernice Grace Uphoff, on November 6, 1949, and together they raised four children. Bernice preceded him in death in 2010 after over 60 years of marriage. Ed later found love and companionship with Mary Mull, whom he married on June 16, 2012.

Ed spent 42 years as a skilled bricklayer for Otto Baum. He also served his fellow tradesmen with distinction for 30 years as the Financial Secretary for the Bricklayers Union.

Ed was a man who loved life and the outdoors. He was an excellent bowler, an avid golfer, a fierce card player, and a passionate Bears fan. His favorite times were spent in the outdoors where he loved to hunt and fish. He especially enjoyed his time in the duck blind at the High Flyers Hunt Club with his sons and friends.

For 30 years, his family enjoyed countless gatherings at New Windsor Sportsmen Club in Victoria, where he loved to fish and host his children, their families, and friends for birthdays and special occasions. Above all else, Ed treasured his family and was a friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Mull Heppner, and his four devoted children: Jeanne (Dave) Draksler of East Peoria, Tom (Marian) Heppner of Cottleville, MO, Rick (Anne) Heppner of Dunlap, and Scott (Maggie) Heppner of Peoria. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as his three step-sons: Troy (Shawna) Mull, Todd (Carrie) Mull, and Tim (Shannon) Mull.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Laura Heppner, and his first wife, Bernice.

Visitation will be held at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with funeral services immediately following.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.