Richard Allen Heinkel, age 71 of Lena, IL went to his heavenly home on January 13, 2020.

He was born on May 8, 1948 in Freeport, IL to Allen and Verena Heinkel. He was a graduate of Lena-Winslow High School in 1966. He then went to the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in Business Agriculture in 1970 and was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. He farmed with his Dad for a couple years and then started his career in the Insurance industry. He became one of the first seven Certified Insurance Counselor's (CIC) in the state of Illinois and was very proud of that. He worked at a few insurance companies in the area before becoming co-owner of Taylor Heinkel Enterprises in Lena. He did that until retirement. He loved talking with people in his office, even if they just stopped by for a visit.

Richard was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Lena. He was very strong in his faith and loved his church home and all the friends made throughout the years. He served on many committees and boards over the years and was also Church President.

Richard was involved in many clubs and associations throughout the years. He was a member of the Lena Lions Club, where he served many positions and also served as District Cabinet Secretary. He was a member of the Lena Business Association to help make Lena a great place to live. He served as the Village Trustee from 1991-1995 and then Village President from 1997-2005.

He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Fighting Illini – good or bad. In his younger years he played basketball, softball, bowling, football and volleyball. He passed along his love of basketball to both his children, especially his son. He missed very few of his college games, traveling across Iowa even in blizzard conditions. He was also an avid collector of Planters Peanuts, Orange Crush and Crayola. He enjoyed photography and even won a local photography contest with the beautiful pictures he took. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with this family and friends going on adventures and playing cards.

He is survived by the love of his life Kathy Becke and they were happily married for 44 years. They raised two children: daughter Jennifer (Erik) Bennett of Sun Prairie, WI and son Lon (Candice) of Dubuque, IA. He adored and loved his three grandsons Alexander, Maxwell and Blake. He was so proud of everything they did and would start conversations with friends by telling stories about them. He is also survived by siblings VeAnn (Greg) Klipstein, Kay Heid (Stephen Hauser), Dale (Linda) and Lyle, Sister-in-law Barb Pinnow and Brother-in-law Daylon (Beth) Becke as well many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, parent in-laws Milford and Helen Becke, Uncle Elmer Wyss, Uncle and Aunt Harold and Margaret Heinkel and cousin Elizabeth Heinkel.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, IL. Visitation prior to the service from 9:00 am – 10:30 am. Reverend Rick Bader will officiate the services. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

Cremation rites to be accorded. The family wishes to extend a thank you to Monroe Clinic Hospital, Lena Living Center and FHN Hospice for all the care that they gave Richard.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.