Jess Heern

STERLING – Jess Heern, 83, of Sterling, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at his home. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, as a steelworker for 35 years, retiring in 1983.

Jess was born Feb. 26, 1926, in Carbondale, the son of Jess and Emma (Robinson) Heern. He attended Southern Illinois University. Jess served in the Army from March 1946 until September 1947, achieving the rank of sergeant. He married Marian Kline on Oct. 31, 1949, in Arkansas. She preceded him in death.

Although he didn’t return to college after his stint in the Army, Jess was a believer in higher education, and he encouraged and assisted all five of his children with their education goals. He served as president of the Como School Board for a number of years and was a steward for the United Steelworkers Union. Jess had a passion for automobiles and motorcycles. He was frequently seen tooling around town on a Honda Goldwing, finally “retiring” from motorcycling at age 80.

Survivors include one daughter, Shelley (Vernon) Gottel of Sterling; three sons, Robert (Patricia) Henson of Rock Falls, Lance (Laurie) Heern of Iowa City, Iowa, and Scott Heern of Sterling; three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Shelley) Henson, Kevin (Janelle) Henson, and Oliver Nelson-Heern; and six great-grandchildren, Jordan, Alyssa, MacKenzie, Noah, Zoe, and Ava.

He also was preceded in death by one son, Todd Heern.

Graveside service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, with Brent Cloyd, pastor, officiating. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.

A memorial has been established to the Whiteside Veterans’ Assistance Commission, 18929 Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL 61270.

Condolences may be sent at schillingfuneralhome@hotmail.com on the Internet.