Richard A. Heffner

Richard A (Dick) Heffner passed away in his home on Thursday, December 9th, 2021, in Freeport, IL. Dick was born on May 21, 1938, in Rockford, IL to Arando and Phyllis Heffner. Dick graduated from Freeport High School with the class of 1956, and married Janet Kleckler of Scioto Mills, IL on May 31, 1958. A successful salesman, Dick worked for the American Tobacco Company out of their Champaign, IL office, and then for the company Chambers and Owen based in Rockford, IL. After 20 years in sales, Dick fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own Northwoods supper club, purchasing and running the White Birch Inn in Solon Springs, WI, with his second wife Susan Bailey, a prominent chef. After 18 years of owning the White Birch Inn, Dick returned to Freeport to enjoy his post-retirement years in the community he loved. Dick loved animals, was a vintage car enthusiast, and loved spending time in the Northwoods. Dick greatly enjoyed driving the senior bus for Pretzel City Transit as a hobby in his retirement, and met many wonderful friends through his time behind the wheel. In his last years, Dick enjoyed living and spending time with his friends at Lincoln Towers. Dick is survived by his children, Denny (Brenda) Heffner of Solon Springs, WI, Cheryl (Bob) Sherman of Lebanon, TN, Mike Heffner of East Bethel, MN, and three grandchildren, Keeley, Hailey, and Fayth. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis G. Heffner, (Rosemary) of Rockford, IL, a niece, Denise Caliendo of Carpentersville, IL, and two nephews, Rick Heffner of Rockford, IL, and David Heffner of Lake Villa, IL. Celebration of Life arrangements are currently pending, but will take place in Freeport at a later date.