Willis Heide, 96 of DeKalb, Illinois passed away at his home on Sunday January 14, 2024. 

He was born in Schaumburg, Illinois on October 22, 1927, the son of Arthur and Amalia (Volkening) Heide. 

Willis married Donna Ropte on August 17th, 1968 in DeKalb, IL.

Willis was baptized and confirmed at St Peters Lutheran Church in Schaumburg,  He was a 1945 graduate of Palatine High School, After high school he served in the US Army. In 1962 the family farm in Schaumburg was sold and they relocated to DeKalb. He worked on the family farm daily until the last couple of years helping out wherever was needed. He was also active in many Agricultural groups in the area. He is self taught organ player and loved music. Willis had an ability to fix things and loved to learn new things. 

He is survived by his children, Carl (LeAnn) Heide of DeKalb, Sheila (Don) Kyle of Princeton and Gina (Pat) Deutsch of Sycamore; grandchildren, Ava Kyle, Samantha Heide, Lydia Kyle, Allison Deutsch, Julia Heide  and Ben Deutsch; 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna in 2022; his parents; infant sister and sister Frances Heide.

The funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Saturday January 20,2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 26555 Brickville Rd, Sycamore, with Rev. Paul Mumme officiating. Burial will follow at Malta Cemetery, Malta.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday January 19, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sycamore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St John Lutheran Church in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.