Keith LeRoy Heckman, 75, of Rockford, IL passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Keith was born on January 1, 1949 in Rockford, IL to LeRoy and Eva (Pash) Heckman. He graduated from Rockford East High School in 1966 and went on to join the United States Air Force. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in South Vietnam and Thailand from 1969-1973 as a Staff Sergeant. After his honorable discharge from the USAF, he attended Rock Valley College via the GI Bill and earned an associate degree for Applied Science in Electronic Technologies. Keith worked for Bally's Aladdin's castle from 1974-1982 and was promoted to a roving Area Store Manager covering locations as far away as Billings, Montana. He then worked for Allied Games in Beloit, Wisconsin from 1983-2000 as a shop supervisor. He finished his career working for R.K. Dixon as a copy repair technician until he retired in 2007. Keith enjoyed spending time tending to his garden of vegetables, fruits and flowers, while also canning, cooking, and sharing them with others. His Thanksgiving meals were unmatched and his dessert pies should have won awards. He enjoyed hosting craft & bake sales with his mother, and dutifully cared for her after she was widowed in 1985. Keith was a huge Atlanta Braves fan and traveled to several cities with his brother and nephew to root on his favorite team, including games in the NLCS and World Series. He was also heavily involved within the War Birds online game community where he shared his passion for flying with many other dedicated players and anyone else who would listen.

He is survived by his brother, Gary, Sr. of Carrollton, GA; nephews Gary (Chip) Heckman and David Crooks; niece Sarah Heckman; great nephews Justin McLester, Joshua McLester, Aidan Heckman, and Garrett Heckman; great nieces Rebecca McLester, Alison (Gabriel) Ihm, Rachel Heckman, Koda Heckman, and Karena Dean. Keith also left behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and his special friend Carla.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Eva, sister Louise (Don) Crooks, sister in-law Karen Heckman, and niece Jeanine Shickles.

Keith will be honored with a time of visitation on Wednesday August 28, 2024 from 10-11 am at Bartell Leamon Funeral home in Warren, IL.

The service will begin at 11:00 am at the Bartell Leamon Funeral Home.

Officiating will be Rev. Gavin Brandt.

Burial will take place at the Nora Cemetery following the service.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Alden Debes Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Amberwood Care Center, and St. Croix Hospice.