Owen Dean Heller

Owen (Dean) Heller, 77, of Stockton, Illinois died peacefully at home with his wife, Mary by his side on Friday, November 17, 2017. Dean suffered a stroke in 2014 which resulted in Lewy Body Dementias.

Dean was born in Rush Township on February 28, 1940, to Leonard and Vella “Dode” (Bonjour) where he helped farm and plant trees for Apple Canyon State Park.

Dean graduated from Warren High School in 1958. He worked at the Kraft Whey Plant in Stockton for over 25 years upon it closing. He and his wife, Mary started an antique business, Treasure of Time Antiques.

He married his first wife Elaine (Aurand) who gave him 5 children, Bradley Heller of Portage Wis, Jill Heller of Partyville, Wis, Barbara (Eric) Schwartz of Wisconsin Dells, Wis, Gregory Heller and Scott Heller of Stockton. Grandchildren Austin Heller, Jackie Heyer, Jessica Halvorson. Great Grandchildren, Xavier Heyer, Cooper Heyer, Angel Warfield, Eric Heyer, Shyla Currans and Preston Bennett.

In 1975, Dean married Mary (Wild) where his family grew, Elaine (Brian) Keeffer of Lena, Monica (Jim) McGivney of Apple River, Tom Wild of Stockton. Grandchildren John (Bobbi) Keeffer, Katie Keeffer, Hannah and Noah McGivney, Jordan, Madison, Kennedy and Cooper Wild. Great grandchildren, Everly and Ruby Keeffer.

Dean enjoyed going to auctions, refinishing furniture and repairing clocks. He liked to hunt, trap, and fish. He was active in golf where he played with his children and grandchildren. Dean had a love of animals where he fed the birds, squirrels and rabbits especially basset hound dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dode Heller; older brother, DuWayne Heller; son-in-law, Eric Schwartz; and grandson, Dustin Wayne Heyer.

Dean will be greatly missed for his kind and gentle spirit. Surviving his wife of 42 years, Mary.  His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. His brother Dalvin (Shirley) Heller with many nieces and nephews.