Dennis A. Heitz of Jacksonville, IL, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, at 6:47 AM at StoneBridge Senior Living in Jacksonville.

He was born September 19th, 1944, in Rushville, IL to Kermit and Esther (Butler) Heitz. He married Joyce M. Phillips on September 10th, 1965, in Rushville. They have 2 children, Sherry (William) Cox of Jacksonville, and Bradley Heitz of Sherman, IL. He also has 5 step-grandchildren, Mikayla Cox, Destiny Cox, Lamart Cox and Lashae Cox all of Jacksonville, and Joline Cox of Springfield, IL.

Dennis was the oldest son of Kermit and Esther Heitz. His younger brothers are Danny Heitz and Sherry of Colchester, IL, Dean (Kay) Heitz and David (Bonnie) Heitz of Rushville. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David, and sister-in-law Sandra Kay Heitz.

Dennis grew up in Rushville and graduated from Rushville High School in 1962. Dennis remained close with many of his high school friends. After graduating from high school, he attended Western Illinois University and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in education.

Dennis was an Industrial Arts teacher at Turner Jr. High in Jacksonville, for 31 years from 1970 to 2001. He also owned Heitz Construction while in Jacksonville. After retirement, he enjoyed building his dream home in Rushville, and continued his Heitz Construction business. He loved hunting and operating his Heitz Archery Shop from 1979 to 2002. Dennis was an avid collector of pocketknives, especially Case knives.

Dennis was a loving husband of almost 59 years and a wonderful father. He will be truly missed. We are celebrating that he is now in his heavenly home with his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We rejoice that we will be seeing him again.

The services will be led by Pastor Tim Kruzan of City Church and Pastor Brandon Thompson of Life Family Church.

On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at City Church, 129 E. Vandalia Rd in Jacksonville, IL the visitation will be held at 9:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 10:30 AM.

On Monday, August 26th, 2024, at Rushville City Cemetery on S. Liberty St in Rushville, IL the graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM.

Memorials are suggested to City Church in Jacksonville, IL or to Life Family Church of Virginia, IL.

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of funeral arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.