William J. Heintz Sr.

William James Heintz, Sr., 81, of Rockford went to be with the Lord November 21, 2020, surrounded by his wife and children. Bill was born to John and Elizabeth Heintz in Griffith, Indiana. He married his sweetheart Florence Tysse on October 27, 1961 in South Holland, Illinois. He faithfully served his church in leadership roles as deacon and elder.

A reservist in the U.S. Army, Bill joined the Illinois State Police in 1964. His first assignment was District 4 – Blue Island. In 1970 he earned a lifesaving award from the American National Red Cross. He was promoted to Corporal in 1974 and Sergeant in 1978. In 1983 he was promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to District 16 – Pecatonica, where he retired in 1994. He continued his public service with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office performing courthouse security until 2006. In his spare time he enjoyed yard work, horseback riding, motorcycling, fishing and caring for animals. He especially enjoyed using his mower or tractor to help his neighbors with projects. He was a man of integrity and always put the needs of others before his own.

He is survived by those who loved him most, his wife, Florn, son William (Sharon) Heintz of Byron, daughter Deborah (Robert) Loken of Rockford, daughter Chris Toppen of Chicago and son Carl (Bryant Wallace) Heintz of Winnebago; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; brother Ralph (Alma) Heintz of Lansing, IL; sister-in-law Arlene Heintz of Munster, IN.

Bill was predeceased in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Heintz, brother Martin Heintz and sister Joan Holderman.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 30 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home at 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Masks and social distancing will be required. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.us with Meeting ID: 841 7664 8480 and passcode: 123 with Pastor Scott Nesse officiating. Interment will follow at Willwood Burial Park. Offerings may be made to First Love International or Stonebridge Church. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com