Regina Heckenkemper

Regina Heckenkemper, 82, of Albers, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026 at Evercare Nursing Home, Breese, IL. She was born August 14, 1943, the daughter of Tony and Regina, nee Wellinghoff, Gebke. She married Virgil J. Heckenkemper September 2, 1961 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso and he preceded her in death on June 19, 2023.

Regina is survived by her children, Kevin (Donna) Heckenkemper and Brian (Julie) Heckenkemper all of New Baden; four grandchildren, Devin (Lauren) Heckenkemper, Alex (Denae) Heckenkemper, Austin (Courtney) Heckenkemper, and Brianna (Brandon) Kuhl; seven great-grandchildren, Owen, Perry, and Quinton Heckenkemper, Liam Heckenkemper, MaKenna and Brody Heckenkemper and Layla Kuhl; a brother, Gene Gebke; sisters-in-law Ruth "Boots" Gebke, and Dolly Gebke and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law Frank & Mary Heckenkemper; siblings, Theresa (Bob) Jansen, Edwin (Butch) Gebke, Tony Gebke Jr., Germaine (Whitey) Gebke, Tom Gebke, and Robert (Bobby) Gebke; in-laws Joann Gebke and Myrtle (Daniel) Toennies.

Mrs. Heckenkemper was a homemaker and a member of St. Bernard Parish in Albers. She helped her husband on the family farm and was very involved in the Civil War Reenactment Group with her husband in their younger years.  Regina loved listening to music and playing cards with her siblings and cousins/nieces.  She loved to bake and made sugar cookies every Easter and Christmas for all of her family members.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Evercare Nursing Home for taking such good care of Regina, as well as the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese for their care during her stay.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m until 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Albers.

Memorials made in memory of Regina may be made to St. Bernard Church or Evercare Nursing Home Activity Fund and will be received at the church or Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover St., New Baden, IL 62265 who is serving the family.