Connie Lou Heilwagen — Hansen-Spear

Constance Lou “Connie” Heilwagen, age 92, of Quincy, died on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:25 am in Sunset Home.

She was born on November 18, 1932 in Quincy, Illinois, a daughter of Andy and Winifred Drummond Bridgman. Connie had previously been married to Elmer Harker, Sr. She married Joseph “Joe” Heilwagen on October 26, 1963 in Quincy, Illinois. He preceded her in death on August 5, 2004.

Connie was employed for over 20 years at Motorola, retiring as a supervisor.

She loved to garden, and she had a flower and vegetable garden. Connie and Joe had a stand at the Quincy Famer’s Market where they would sell produce, especially sweet corn, melons and tomatoes. She was also an excellent baker.

Connie was devoted to her family, and she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards with her sisters and brothers. Connie’s hobbies included crocheting and coloring. She loved her dog and companion, Czar.

Survivors include her daughter, Sherri (Tim) Valentine of Ursa, Illinois; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Harker of Quincy; two step-daughters, Judy (Jerry) Miller of Ursa, and Karen (Jim) Bernard of New Canton, IL; five grandchildren, Karrie (Jim) Atwell of Fort Mill, SC, Chad (Amy) Legrand of Keokuk, IA, Amber Uppinghouse, Danica Harker, and Aaron Harker, all of Quincy; four step-grandchildren, Jeff (Brenda) Miller of Ursa, IL, Jill Miller of Pittsfield, IL, Joey (Carrie) Miller of Ursa, IL, and Justin Bernard of New Canton, IL; seven great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Bonnie Eickelschulte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Joe, she was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Elmer Harker, Jr., and fifteen siblings, Roy Bridgman, Luella Houston, Mary Hall, Andy “Gene” Bridgman, Donnie Bridgman, Ronnie Bridgman, Sharon Bridgman, Ruth Reed, Nancy Jones, Venita Bridgman, James Bridgman, Lyle Bridgman, John “Tiny” Bridgman, and two infant siblings.

Visitation: 9:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Service: 11:00 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois

Memorial donations may be made to Blessing Hospice or the Blessing Cancer Center. Memorial donations may be made online https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.