Kenneth I Heeren

Mt. Morris, IL, Kenneth I. Heeren, age 77, died Wednesday November 23, 2016 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, IL. Ken was born December 10, 1938 on the family farm in Shannon, IL, the son of Alvin & Gertrude (Fuls) Heeren. He farmed with his father both in Shannon and later on the ancestral farm in George, Iowa. Ken loved tractors and did repair work for area neighbors as well as milk their cows when they were away. Ken and his family moved back to Illinois in the early 1960's and decided to give printing a try, working at Kable Printing Company, Mt. Morris, IL; becoming a journeyman and eventually a purchasing agent. During this time he found his true love of photography. Ken began doing outdoor portraits on his rural Brookville farm. His photography became well known and the studio became his full time profession. Ken later operated Villa Image in Freeport, IL, and in 1987 moved the business to his home in Mt. Morris, IL. Ken's clients became long time friends. Ken won many state and national awards and one of his portraits appeared on the cover of the Professional Photographers of America magazine. He was a humble man who listened more than he spoke. He loved his family and his animals, especially his cats, Sabrina and Monroe. Ken was an open-minded person who didn't judge others and was always ready to listen to your concerns and opinions. Ken's happiest times were traveling the back roads of Wisconsin with his wife Jan on his motorcycle and MG sports car. He loved traveling to far away places, beaches, camping in the woods, and having a beer with his good friends. He always strived to do his best no matter what the endeavor. Ken is survived by his wife: Janet Heeren, Mt. Morris, IL; daughter: Laurel (Doug) Bergren, Mt. Carroll, IL; two sons: James Heeren, Beloit, WI and Jason Heeren, South Beloit, WI; two step-daughters: Laurie Hongsermeier, Mt. Morris, IL and Cindy Deming, Evansville, WI; 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. Ken is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: John Heeren and Harold Heeren; one sister: Dorothy Bomgarden; brother-in-law: Ralph Bomgarden; and sister-in-law: Edith Heeren. Memorial service was held Saturday November 26, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, IL. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date. Services were handled by Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Memorials to Pinecrest Terrace.