Duane L. Heren

Duane L. Heren of Morris passed away Wednesday, May 17th, 2023. He was born June 16, 1931 in Pekin, Illinois to Christopher and Bertha (Hild) Heren. He was raised on a farm south of Pekin. He graduated from Green Valley High School with the class of 1949. Duane played basketball at Green Valley High School, Eureka College and with the 6th Army in California.
Duane loved golf (especially his time at Dwight Country Club), card games, basketball and the Chicago Cubs. In his retired life, Duane and Mary loved spending the winters in a retirement community in Lake Placid, Florida where they had many friends, played lots of cards and shuffleboard. He also loved going out to eat in Morris with family where he spent much of his time walking around to other tables talking to the many people that he knew. He was a funny, fun-loving, social man who loved seeing friends, family, neighbors and former teachers and students.
Duane is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary (Garrison), and his tremendous children, Christie (Ken) Adkins, Candi (Dave) Holstine, and Scott (Lisa) Heren. He has 6 grandchildren, Megan Adkins, Eric (Kelsey) Adkins, Kelli Holstine, Adam (Mary) Holstine, Zac (Claire Nelson) Heren, and Chad Heren. The first great grandchild is due in September. Also, surviving is one brother, Bill (Sonia) Heren and several nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws C.W. and Flossie Garrison, brothers Everett Heren and Robert (Patricia) Heren.
Duane taught and was an administrator from 1957-1986. He taught at Kewanee, principal and taught at Kingston Grade School, superintendent at Kings Grade School, Saratoga School, Morris, Illinois, Mazon Grade School and MVK Unit District of Mazon. While in education he was a life member of IEA and NEA. He also served on the Illinois Elementary School Association as president.
Duane was also a member of Mazon Lions and served as president. He also served
His country in the U. S. Army from 1952-1954, serving in Korea for one year.
Duane was a devout Lutheran whom was very involved in the establishing of Peace Lutheran Church.
We would like to thank Lightways Hospice and our wonderful caregivers, Katie, Tiffany, Trisha, Sarah, Kristy, and Heather.
Memorials in Duane’s name can be sent to Lightways Hospice and Peace Lutheran Church, Morris, Illinois.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 23rd from 4-7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church. Funeral will be Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Luanne Cantrell officiating. There will also be visitation an hour before the service. Interment will follow at the Brookside Cemetery, Mazon, Illinois. Military honors will be provided by the Morris Color Guard.
For more information, call the funeral home at 815-942-0700 or sign the private online guestbook at www.frulandfuneralhome.com