Gerald H. Heckler

He was born April 4, 1927 in Chicago, the son of Raymond and Gladys (Willig) Heckler. On September 25, 1948 he married Elsie C. M. Heckler in Chicago.

Mr. Heckler graduated from Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, IL. He served with the United States Navy during World War II. He attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier majoring in Business Administration. He worked as a salesman of both audio visual graphic services as well as insurance after retirement.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years where he served as a Deacon, Clerk of Session and Superintendent of Sunday School. He was involved in Couples Club, Bridge Group and the Pastor’s search committee.

Mr. Heckler was a member of Sertoma and a Third Age Living Caregiver, where he also served on the board. He loved gardening (especially roses), playing tennis, fishing and attending Saturday Evening Dance Club. He always looked forward to family vacations in Wisconsin and enjoyed birthday parties, holidays and any other opportunity to gather with his large family whom he loved very much.

He is survived by four daughters; Nancy Schwermin and Joyce Padget (Bill Peters) both of Springfield, Phyllis (Thomas) Beverly and Cheryl (Victor) Linderman both of Glenarm; fourteen Grandchildren; Michael (Alissa) Schwermin of Pekin, Jennifer (Steven) Canny of Springfield, Bradley (Stephanie) Schwermin of Springfield, Eric (Kaylee) Linderman, Ellen, Elliott, & Evelyn Linderman, all of Glenarm, Shane (Michele) Padget of Herrin, April Bridges of Normal, Thomas (Carmen) Beverly of Chatham, Dylan Beverly of Glenarm, and Heather (Jason) Konzelmann of Mahomet; nineteen great-grandchildren; Nathan & Katrina Beverly, Shelby & Jayden Beverly, Keegan & Summer Bridges, Kimber & Drake Linderman, Autumn McNattin, Gavin, Gabriel, Greyson & Grant Schwermin, Carly & Audrey Konzelmann, Andrew & Abigail Canny, and Jaelynn & Aby Padget; and two sister-in-laws, Elaine Heckler and Ruth Wallsten, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his wife; parents; father and mother-in-law, Arvid and Ellen (Erickson) Wallsten; a brother, Howard Heckler; two brother-in-laws, Bert and Martin Wallsten; a sister-in-law, Helen Wallsten; and a grandson, Stephen Beverly.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 27 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel, 800 S. Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL 62704. Memorial service will be held Friday, March 28 at 10:30am, with an additional visitation hour beginning at 9:30am at First Presbyterian Church. The Church will also host a luncheon after the memorial service with interment following at Camp Butler National Cemetery at 2:00pm.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church 321 S. 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701.

Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visit the online obituary and sign the guest book at www.boardman-smith.net.