Joseph Heitzler

PROPHETSTOWN – Joseph Heitzler, 98, of Wesley Willows, Rockford, formerly of Prophetstown, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Heitzler was born Jan. 26, 1913, in Morrison, the son of Frank and Bertha (Nehlig) Heitzler. He married Della Lippens on Sept. 16, 1939, in Hooppole. She preceded him in death on Feb. 22, 2004.

He was employed by Sterling Steel Co., and later farmed in the rural Prophetstown area. He was a member of St. Mary of the Fields Catholic Church, Hooppole.

Survivors include one daughter, Lorita (Tony) Ooyen of Winnebago; one son, Larry Heitzler (fiancée, Peg Fried) of Prophetstown; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Moore; and one brother, Cyril Heitzler.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary of the Fields Catholic Church, Hooppole, with the Rev. Sebastian Tumusiime, administrator of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan, officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Hooppole. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., with the rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home, 320 Lafayette St., Prophetstown.

Memorials have been established to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 27 W. 353 Jewell Road, Winfield, IL 60190; and the Visiting Nursing Association, Hospice of the Rockford Health System, 4223 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108.

Visit www.bosmagibson.com to send condolences.