Larry Eugene Heller, 82, of Galesburg, died at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Marigold Health Care Center, with his wife Janet by his side.
Larry was born May 13, 1938 in Galesburg, the son of Harry L. Heller and Delma F. (Kingstrom) Heller. Larry graduated from Galesburg Senior High School in 1957, and married Janet Ann Haines on December 30, 1961 in Galesburg. Larry is survived by Janet, his devoted wife of 58 years, and their two sons, Jeffrey (Sharida) Heller of Portland, ME and Greg L. Heller of Bloomington, IL. The couple would have celebrated their 59th anniversary next month. Larry was preceded in death by his parents.
After graduating from high school, Larry and his friend Jerry Price embarked upon an epic cross-country journey in Larry’s 1940 Ford Coupe that led them to California, along historic Route 66, in search of adventure. Many good stories came from that. But much of what happened remains a mystery.
Returning to Galesburg, Larry worked for the CB&Q Railroad as a switchman and Adams Pressed Metals Corp as a punch press operator, before retiring from OSF St Mary’s Hospital Maintenance Dept in 2000. After retirement Larry continued to work part-time at Hi-Lo Grocery’s Meat Dept and Duff’s Ace Hardware.
Larry’s interests included old cars, trains, photography and ham radio. He was a member of Galesburg’s Model Railroad Club and logged many miles throughout Illinois photographing and chronicling the beauty of the “iron horse”. He also loved the striking American wilderness photography of Ansel Adams. Larry was an avid ham radio operator for many years. KA9PCU could often be found in his beloved radio room “dit-dot-dittin’ around the world” or making his family nervous by climbing up and down the radio tower that loomed high above their backyard. His son Jeff remembers Larry was quite the music lover, “Who else’s dad storms into their room demanding that you turn UP the Led Zeppelin?”.
Larry was a member of Galesburg’s Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a scout leader. He was happiest when he could be of service, and always put his family first.
Larry and his wife Janet were the ultimate team. They worked hard to overcome each other’s weaknesses. Their sons will forever be inspired by how well they took care of each other and the family. Larry’s son Greg said “I have never seen such love and devotion. I will miss him dearly. Anyone lucky enough to know him knew his funny sense of humor and how he made us all laugh. This world is a lesser place without him. God bless his soul.”
The Hellers would like to thank Kathy Price and her family for all their love and support.
Cremation has been accorded. A service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s Memory to Trinity Lutheran Church or Guardian Angels Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
