Jeanne E. Heuberger

Jeanne Esther Heuberger, age 80 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday evening, January 27, 2026, at her home in Highland, IL. She was born on Sunday, February 11, 1945, in East Saint Louis, IL, the daughter of Walter and Vera (nee Rieger) Kuhn. August 30, 1968, she married Russell Jon Heuberger at St. John United Church of Christ, Trenton, IL, who resides at their home. As Jeanne was in the womb, her biological father, Edward C. Roszkowski was killed in action in November 1944 during a bombing raid over Germany in WWII. Her Mother married William Midgley and they had Margaret Ann (Mickey). When the girls were very little he was killed in an automobile accident. After a number of years, her mother met and married Walter Kuhn, Jr. who adopted the girls, and had 2 more. A girl, Deborah (Debbi) and a boy, Thomas (Tom). The family of 6 lived in Tulsa for several years before moving back to Trenton, IL. Jeanne graduated from Wesclin High School in 1963, attended SIUC, Elmhurst and McKendree Colleges. She worked on a cruise ship on the Great Lakes, at Alton Box Board and for the City of Highland before pursuing her passion of the arts. Starting at Highland City Office, she soon became the first female employee to work at the Highland Police Department. She was responsible for dispatch, record keeping and training new communications personnel. She developed a filing system and testing procedure for all new telecommunicators and helped develop the area's 911 system making Highland one of Southern Illinois Public Safety Answering Points. She took EMT Training and became one of the persons responsible for responding to emergency ambulance calls in Highland and surrounding 911 area. After her 15yr dedication to the City Jeanne pursued her main passion for the arts and taught decorative painting classes locally, regionally and at the National Convention in Dallas. She spent many, many hours painting to sell her artwork at juried craft shows and in the mid 1980's, opened "Isn't This Nice”. She sold her handcrafted and hand painted items, expanding her business to also selling gourmet foods, coffees, candies, delivering beautiful gift bags and lavish gift baskets around the globe. In 2000, she attended and soon graduated from The Healing Arts Center in St. Louis as a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist specializing in the gift of Reiki. She found particular joy spending time with her children, grandchildren, extended family and her friends. She enjoyed reading, yoga, meditation, dancing and music, trying her luck at the casinos and playing cards and belonged to several bridge clubs. She was an active member of St. John United Church of Christ. She is survived by: Husband- Russell Jon Heuberger, Highland, IL Daughters- Stacy Deann Heuberger, Saint Louis, MO and Keely Michelle Frey, Butte, MT Grandchildren- Mia E. Heuberger, Saint Louis, MO and Briar D. Frey, Butte, MT Sister and Brother-In-Law- Deborah K. “Debbi” and Daniel Athmer, Aviston, IL Brother and Sister-In-Law- Thomas W. “Tom” and Gaytha Kuhn, Trenton, IL Brother-In-Law- Mike Williamson, Trenton, IL Brother-In-Law- Randy C. Heuberger, Keyesport, IL Sister-In-Law- Sandra K. Eaves, Troy, IL Nieces- Kris Goldsborough, Shaun Thomas and Rachel Kuhn Nephews- Jaye Heuberger, Cory and Josh Williamson She is preceded in death by: Birth Father- Edward C. Roszkowski - Killed in Action Nov. 1944 Mother- Vera Ida Kuhn, (nee Rieger) - 3/06/2012 Father- Walter "Red" Kuhn Jr. - 11/11/2016 Sister - Margaret A. "Mickey" Williamson - 5/16/2025 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Graveside Service will be at 11:30 AM, Friday, February 6, 2026, at Trenton Cemetery’s Columbarium, Trenton, IL. Rev. Christy Smith, Pastor, St. John’s UCC, officiating. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at St. John’s UCC in Trenton, IL. Anyone who does not wish to attend the cemetery is welcome at the church. If you are inclined to remember her through any type of donation, give to St. John's United Church of Christ, Trenton, IL OR to a cause or organization that has the most meaning to you.

Jeanne E. Heuberger

February 11, 1945 - January 27, 2026