Virginia L. Heckendorn

Virgina Lee Heckendorn, age 85, passed on December 4, 2024 in her home in Oregon, IL. Virginia was born to Hans and Bodil Balle on November 5, 1939 in Rockford. IL. She grew up in Byron, IL and graduated from Byron High School. Later she went on to hair dresser school and established a successful beauty salon in Byron, which she maintained until her retirement. She married James Heckendorn January 27, 1991 in Oregon, IL. She was an accomplished roller skater in her youth and enjoyed cooking and making elaborate quilts. Virginia was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She had a vivacious and loving personality that made sharing her company a joy. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Cates, grandsons Soren and Eric Cates, and step-daughter Lynda Gernat. She was preceded in death by her parents Hans and Bodil Balle, her son Gregory Cates, her sister, Janet Weeks and her husband James Heckendorn. Visitation will be held at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Byron, IL on December 14th from 1 to 3 pm. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation.

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