Obituary for Terrance "Terry" Heden
Terrance “Terry” D. Heden
Terrance “Terry” D. Heden, 76, passed away on July 10, 2022, with family by his side after a long illness. He entered this world in Rockford on June 14, 1946, son of Emil and Louise (Moberg) Heden. Terry had an impact on so many whether in the classroom, in the gym, or on the track…or just the classroom of life. Earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University to pursue his passion for teaching and helping others. He loved shaping young lives at Eisenhower Middle School as one of its first educators until his retirement where he taught Physical Education. His students will describe him a stern educator with a big heart depending on how well behaved you were. He extended his desire to teach others into coaching girl’s track and field and girls’ cross country at Rockford East High School developing state champions and changing the lives of those around him. His athletes he welcomed as the ever-present father figure, coaching, tutoring, and impacting them as well as including them in his own life sometimes babysitting his own children. Avid Chicago Bears fan but was even prouder cheering on his kids and grandkids in whatever sport they played and supporting them in all their endeavors from childhood to adulthood. He found immense joy in his retirement years loving and spoiling his grandchildren. Terry never stopped being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In retirement, he enjoyed time with his wife and family, traveling, working out, a round of golf with friends, working in the yard, or frustrated with a 1000-piece puzzle. He always initiated a hug, made you smile first and left everyone feeling valued. He made everyone laugh and smile with his wisecracks until the very end. Terry can affectionately be labeled as one of the most caring and unselfish humans this earth has seen. Those who have come across him in their lives describe a beautiful soul that will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Jodi; two sons, Greg (Heather) Heden and Jeff Heden; grandsons, Ryan and Andrew; step-children, Emily (Adam) Fletcher, Molly (Pilakka) Aboobaker, and Mark (Jordan) Anderson; step-grandchildren, Kalib, Benson, Briggs, and Remy; sister, Linda Heden; brother, Jim Heden; step-siblings, Theresa Fischer, Mark (Teri) Fischer, and Patricia (Wade) Woodward; step-parents, Ken and Carol Fischer; along with so many loving extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jude Johns; and sister-in-law, Donna Heden.
A Celebration of Life will be held a later date. As per his request, cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park.
Terrance “Terry” D. Heden, 76, passed away on July 10, 2022, with family by his side after a long illness. He entered this world in Rockford on June 14, 1946, son of Emil and Louise (Moberg) Heden. Terry had an impact on so many whether in the classroom, in the gym, or on the track…or just the classroom of life. Earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University to pursue his passion for teaching and helping others. He loved shaping young lives at Eisenhower Middle School as one of its first educators until his retirement where he taught Physical Education. His students will describe him a stern educator with a big heart depending on how well behaved you were. He extended his desire to teach others into coaching girl’s track and field and girls’ cross country at Rockford East High School developing state champions and changing the lives of those around him. His athletes he welcomed as the ever-present father figure, coaching, tutoring, and impacting them as well as including them in his own life sometimes babysitting his own children. Avid Chicago Bears fan but was even prouder cheering on his kids and grandkids in whatever sport they played and supporting them in all their endeavors from childhood to adulthood. He found immense joy in his retirement years loving and spoiling his grandchildren. Terry never stopped being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In retirement, he enjoyed time with his wife and family, traveling, working out, a round of golf with friends, working in the yard, or frustrated with a 1000-piece puzzle. He always initiated a hug, made you smile first and left everyone feeling valued. He made everyone laugh and smile with his wisecracks until the very end. Terry can affectionately be labeled as one of the most caring and unselfish humans this earth has seen. Those who have come across him in their lives describe a beautiful soul that will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Jodi; two sons, Greg (Heather) Heden and Jeff Heden; grandsons, Ryan and Andrew; step-children, Emily (Adam) Fletcher, Molly (Pilakka) Aboobaker, and Mark (Jordan) Anderson; step-grandchildren, Kalib, Benson, Briggs, and Remy; sister, Linda Heden; brother, Jim Heden; step-siblings, Theresa Fischer, Mark (Teri) Fischer, and Patricia (Wade) Woodward; step-parents, Ken and Carol Fischer; along with so many loving extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jude Johns; and sister-in-law, Donna Heden.
A Celebration of Life will be held a later date. As per his request, cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park.