Norman P. ‘Butch’ Heeren

GALT – Norman P. “Butch” Heeren, 84, of Galt, died Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at his home.

Butch was born June 9, 1927, in Hopkinton, Iowa, the son of Fred and Edith (Gestel) Heeren. He served in the Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Rita Jean Henry on Aug. 16, 1958, in Sterling.

During his lifetime, he worked on farms in the Deer Grove area, at Cady Grain and Lumber Co. in Deer Grove and for the Illinois Highway Department on road maintenance in Rock Falls. He also worked for Propheter Construction on construction, and as a heavy equipment operator.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Sterling. Butch was a lifetime member of Sterling Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus 662 and Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers.

Butch is survived by his wife, Rita Jean of Galt; two brothers, Francis (Mildred) Heeren of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Donald (Delores) Heeren of Rock Falls; five sisters, Ila Lewis of Cordova, Tenn., Priscilla Shelton of Rochelle, Clara Dobbeke of Deer Grove, Velma Zimmerman of Rochelle and Emma (Troy) Jones of Wynne, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Fred; and two sisters, Mary Jean and Mavis.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampico. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with Monsignor Thomas Dzielak, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Tampico. Arrangements were completed by Garland Funeral Home in Tampico.

A memorial has been established to St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampico and Gaffey Hospice.

Visit www.garlandfuneralhome.com to send condolences.