Michael E. Heller

Mt. Morris, IL – Michael E. Heller, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon, IL.

Michael was born on February 13, 1948, on Sinnissippi Farm near Oregon, IL, to Clifford and Mildred (Hawkins) Heller. He attended Mt. Morris schools and married the love of his life, Beverly Haenitsch, on May 12, 1973, in Byron, IL.

Throughout his life, Michael held several jobs and took pride in his work. He worked at Quality Metal in Byron, served as a police officer in Byron, sold produce for Cecil White, tended bar at the Brass Rail in Mt. Morris, and spent the final 21 years of his working career at Wood Brothers in Oregon, retiring in 2009.

Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, coin collecting, and shooting pool. He was known for his skill at the pool table and could shoot a mean game of 3-rail 8-ball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Mildred Heller, and his sister, Bonnie Hicks. Michael is survived by his wife, Beverly, and his five children: Mark (Kelly) Heller of Lanark, IL; Gary (Katie) Heller of DeKalb, IL; JulieAnn Harkey (Jeramy Beach) of Rockford, IL; Mike (Stacy) Heller, Jr. of Oregon, IL; and Trena (Kevin) Siefken of Albert Lea, MN.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mark Heller, Jr., Emily Randecker, Brennen Harkey, Ashley Harkey, Gavin Heller, and Michael Heller, III, Cory and Nathan Siefken; and his great-grandchildren, Paislie Heller, Colton Heller, and Lucas Randecker.

No services are planned at this time.

A special thanks to Serenity House staff, especially Val and Jen.