Lawrence R. Heckathorne

Lawrence R. Heckathorne, 52, McHenry, died Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at his mother, Janet Adams’, home after battling pancreatic cancer. 

He was raised on a small farm on Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock.  He attended Woodstock District 200 schools and excelled in sports, including football, track and baseball.

He worked in construction in Illinois, Wisconsin and Arizona until 2007.  His next career was as an on-board service attendant for Amtrak; his favorite run was the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland, Ore., and back.

He enjoyed cooking and improving many dishes with his own touch.  He loved the beautiful voice and music of Sarah Brightman. 

Survivors include a daughter, Rachael Hansen, Chicago; his mother; a brother, Eugene (Dorothy) Heckathorne, McHenry; a sister, Marilyn Kay (John) Hill, Belvidere; an aunt, Donna (Earl) Hass, Woodstock; and his best friend of 48 years, David (Wendy) Mucha, Round Lake.

He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, John and Aimee Emery, formerly of Woodstock, and his step-father, Bill Adams.

A visitation and memorial service was held Feb. 26, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry.  

Memorials can be made in his name to Centegra Sage Cancer Center, Route 31 and Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101, or a charity of choice.