Barbara (Stunkel) Heinzeroth

8/19/1944 to 1/16/2023

Barbara Diane (Stunkel) Heinzeroth, 78, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023, at Anam Care in Rockford, IL. Her family comforted her as she was received into the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Barb was born on August 19, 1944, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Bernard and Opal Stunkel. She graduated in the first class of Auburn High School and ranked at the top of her class in both secretarial and stenographic skills which she used to build a career in the business world as a stenographer, private secretary, administrative assistant, and executive director.

In January 1960 she met her future husband Jerry, and they were married in 1963. In 1966 she welcomed her first son and in 1975, her second. Her two boys were the joy of her life and she made sure they knew it. She directed, enabled, ran interference, and guided them through the experiences that made them the fine men they are today.

Barb's passions outside of her family were music, art, theater, and cooking. She and her husband traveled to satisfy all of them, but cooking is where she excelled. She entered many local cooking contests and won her share. She prepared and hosted an annual New Year's Eve dinner party for her closest friends that continued for over 20 years, authored a cookbook, and taught cooking classes. Her cookies were recognized as creations of excellence and were eagerly anticipated by the lucky group that received them.

In 2004 she and her husband embarked on a mission to work with Ken and Phyllis Laurent to establish their Frank Lloyd Wright designed Laurent House as a public museum for Rockford. Through Barb's help in establishing the Laurent House Foundation, that dream became a reality and enjoys great success today.

Barb is survived by her husband of 60 years Jerry, her sons Brock and Blake, sister Trudi (Ray) Winkler, brother Craig (Jane) Stunkel, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents and daughter-in-law Karen (Blake) Heinzeroth.

A Memorial Service will be held February 2, 2023, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL. at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial donations may be given to the Laurent House Foundation, Inc., 4646 Spring Brook Rd., Rockford, IL 61114.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Anam Care and Northern Illinois Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Barbara.