Frances M Heitter

Frances M Heitter, 101, lifelong resident of Stephenson County, IL, died June 15, 2023 at

FHN Hospice Care after a short illness. Born April 22, 1922, in Freeport, she was the daughter

of Melvin and Ethel (Schroeder) Bere. She attended Freeport schools and graduated from

Freeport School of Beauty Culture in July, 1941. Frances passed her state board exams in

Chicago and became a registered beauty culturist in December of that year, gaining

employment at the Merle Norman Studio in Freeport. In October of 1943, she left there to

work at the fledgling Micro Switch during the WWII effort. After the war, she returned to her

chosen occupation at Sunny’s Beauty Parlor. Frances returned to the workforce in the 60s,

retiring from Newell Manufacturing in 1984.

She was a passionate baker and cook, baking wonderful breads well into her 90s and serving

many superb meals, often her own recipes.

Frances married Lowell W Heitter on January 27, 1947.

She was preceded in death by husband Lowell on December 5, 1990, her parents, and sister

Abigail.

She is survived by her sister, Clarice Perry, of Stockton, IL; daughter, Gail Diehl, of Freeport;

son Steven (Debra) Heitter, of Weaverville, NC; daughter, Patricia Heitter, of Phoenix, AZ,

grandchildren, Jeffery (Tracie) Diehl, of Monroe, WI; Jessica (Michael) Bates, of Verona, W;

Angela (John) Threadgill, of Avondale Estates, Ga; great-grandchildren, Jack and Ella Bates,

Alexandra and Lauren Diehl, and Alene Threadgill.

Fran was a volunteer at Friends Forever, the local animal rescue in Freeport. Donations to the

facility in her memory would be appreciated.

Cremation accorded; no services planned.