Emma Odell Heckinger

Emma Odell Heckinger, 92, Rockford, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013, in River Bluff Nursing Home. She was born November 11, 1920, near Mineral Springs, AR, the daughter of Pinkney Augusta Green and Emma Rachel Odell. Odell was the youngest of ten children. She married John Francis Heckinger on May 24, 1946, in Norman, OK. This union produced six children. The family moved to Omaha, NE in 1958, and then to Rockford in 1962. Their marriage ended in 1975. Odell was employed as a bookkeeper for Children's Development Center and later at Meet and Eat, retiring in 1997. She volunteered at the New American Theater, Provena St. Anne Center, the Girl Scouts of America, and Holy Family Catholic Church. She was active in the American Society of Women Accountants.
Survived by her children, Peggy (James) Leonardo of Des Moines, IA, Jef (Joanne Mera) Heckinger of Rockford, Mike (Kris Easterday) Heckinger of Seattle, WA, Matt (Maria Wrightson) Heckinger of Vancouver, WA, Dorothy (Stephen) Kamykowski of Brillion, WI, and Martha Kornak of Crystal Lake, 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents, siblings, former husband, and son-in-law, James Kornak.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of America, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford, 61107. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.