Dalvin Eugene Heller, age 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 21, 2018.   He was born on June 5, 1933 to Leonard August Heller and Vella Mae (Dode) Bonjour at home in rural Apple River, IL. Dalvin graduated from Warren High School in 1951. Dalvin was drafted into the military and served from 1953-1955 overseas during the Korean War. Dalvin married Shirley Ann Rife on September 3, 1952.

Dalvin worked for the Illinois Central Railroad right out of high school when he was drafted into the military and continued to work for them when he came home. Dalvin then worked for the Frudden Lumber Company in Stockton until he and Shirley started farming fulltime in rural Stockton. Dalvin was an avid dairy farmer and trapper until retirement. Dalvin was known for his love for playing cards and taking Shirley west. Dalvin was the catcher for the Apple River Legion Slow Pitch team for many years. He enjoyed western movies and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He loved to ride his motorcycle and passed this love onto his family.

Dalvin is survived by his loving wife Shirley of 65 years; children- Mike (Dixie) of Winslow and Steve (Sue), Susan (Bill) Schamberger, and Randy (Kelly) all of Stockton; 11 grandchildren- Nathan Heller, Mark (Tonya) Heller, Joe (Sarah) Heller, Doug (Kira) Aurand, Amanda (Grant) Stocks, Brandon (Kaydra) Heller, David Heller, Jason Heller, Courtney (Max Paisley) Schamberger, Kalli (Eric) Offenheiser and Cole Schamberger; 17 great grandchildren- Nathaniel, Zaiden, Brandon, Ryan, Allison, Blake, Cody, Bailey, Emma, Logan, Erica, Mitchell, Riley, Jamie, Tyler, Jonathan and Paul; 3 great-great grandchildren- Devan, Mason and Brior and 1 great-great grandchild on the way, several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers DuWayne Heller and Dean Heller.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. til 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren.

Funeral Service will follow the visitation, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren.

Cremation rites accorded.

A celebration of life will be held in June, at the Apple River Canyon State Park.