Joseph Rahn Heikes, 54, of Huntley, was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 28, 2020. Joseph was born in Bakersfield, California on May 11, 1966 and was raised by his parents, Glennis and Anna (Osborn) Heikes.
Joe married Heather Rankin on May 30, 1998 and they shared a life together for 22 years. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Tristan, in 2001.
Joe was a humble and godly man with an incredible work ethic. He always did his very best – giving one hundred percent effort in service to God, his family, his friends and his church. Joe was always heavily involved in the churches he attended throughout his life. Joe was a member of Springbrook Community Church and had served as Facilities Director, head of the audio production team and in many other volunteer positions.
Joe was a man blessed by God with many gifts and talents. In his younger years he was active in sports – playing basketball, soccer and exceling in martial arts.
He was a talented musician who played the guitar, sang and composed many songs. He played in bands during his college years and served on worship teams/choirs at Ravenswood Covenant Church, Schaumburg Covenant Church, Hope Covenant Church and Springbrook Community Church. He also loved cooking and camping.
Joe’s work history covered a broad spectrum of skills. He was a small engine mechanic, photocopier/fax machine repair technician, construction worker, maintenance worker, computer programmer, website developer and worked in many technical project management positions. His two greatest passions were audio production and “coding” (computer programming). He started his own audio production/computer company (HEI Sound/HEI Computers) where he did sound for live concerts, festivals, fundraisers, corporate events, weddings and church events as well as installing sound systems in several local churches. He also was the IT support person for several small businesses in the area.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Heather Heikes, his son, Tristan Heikes, his parents, Glennis and Anna Heikes, his siblings, Johna (Dean) Magnuson, Morene (Kevin) Fisher, and Walter Heikes, his nieces and nephews, Weston (Amanda) Magnuson, Zachariah (Rachel) Magnuson, Michael (Laura) Fisher, Jaquelyn (Ahsan Kahn) Fisher, Maggie Fisher, Macae Fisher, Jackson Fisher, Mason Fisher, and Cody Heikes, and many great nieces and great nephews.
A memorial visitation celebrating Joe’s life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020 from 4-6 p.m. at Springbrook Community Church, 10115 W Algonquin Rd, Huntley. A private family service will follow visitation at 6:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed by Springbrook Community Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name can be made to Springbrook Community Church - Building Maintenance.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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We are so sry to hear about Joe's passing. We pray that uou n find Strength and Peace in the days to come. God Bless.
Joe was a kind and generous man. Heather we love you and pray Gods grace and comfort will sustain you in these days. May precious memories be abundant and may the love of Jesus, family and friends encourage you and Tristan always. He will be missed by many but by none more than you.
We mourn the loss of a wonderful person. Hugs to Heather and Tristan. Rom 15:13
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our friend. Praying for Heather and Tristan and family. You are deeply loved. May God surround you with His presence and love.
I miss you my dear friend. Until we meet again, may the grace, peace and love of Christ rest on us all.
Praying for God's strength and comfort during this difficult time. May He wrap you in His loving arms and fill you with peace and memories of all the laughter and wonderful times together. Reach out to family and friends...we are here for you!!!
In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May The Lord comfort you and your loved ones
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a very caring person, we enjoyed being around him and it showed he was a godly man who cared very much for his family.
Praying for you Heather and Tristan. Thankful to have known Joe in North Park days and your whole family through camp. May you sense God carrying you and holding you close in His loving arms. And may you know there are many of us praying for you!
I am so very sorry at the passing of your son/brother! And though we know that he is in the arms of Jesus and rejoice in that, his passing will forever be mourned.
Heather & Tristan, we are heartbroken at this loss. Joe was one of the best men we have ever known and we were so blessed to have been able to play music and worship with him for years. So smart, fun-loving, kind, generous, a man of great faith who so easily shared that with others ... he was one-of-a-kind and we are so grateful to have had him as our friend. Thinking of and praying for you in these hard days and sending much love. - Dawn & Gary
Oh how my heart sunk when I heard this tragic news. Heather, Tristin, and all those who love Joe: my prayers go out daily for you. May our Holy Spirit be present with you all. Comfort...comfort and peace from our God. My earnest and deep condolences, dear ones.
Our love to, and prayers for Heather and Tristan. We have such good memories of Joe. He served God’s people and his community with such a wonderful spirit and that terrific smile.
When I think of Joe, so many things come to mind 1st of all Joe was the ultimate family man. Family was very important to Joe, and Joe had a huge family because Joe did not limit himself to those people who were related to him as his only family. Joe would treat pretty much everyone he met as family. Joe cared about you, and you knew that Joe cared because of his actions. Joe many times would let his actions speak as he helped anyway he could. Joe helped me when my kids decided to come to Chicago and go to North Park. I didn't like the idea of them going to the big city school. But I knew that Joe was close by and if something happened that Joe would be there and he was. Joe helped both Michael and Jacque and in so doing Joe helped me. Joe made it possible. Right now so many things seem impossible, but I know if Joe were here he would say lets get a peppermint mocha from Starbucks, or an ice cream from Culvers, and together we will figure it out. Joe was a good cook,and Joe liked to share that talent with people. Joe and Heather opened their home up and invited so many people over and shared with them Joe's talent of cooking. My family enjoyed many Thanksgiving meals with Joe, Heather, and Triston. I have so many fond memories of the times spent with Joe there is no way I can begin to put them all down on paper. If Joe were here he would say no need to put them down on paper or even type them in this computer there is an easier way to express your thoughts. He would say just speak the words into your phone and hook it up to your computer and print it off. Joe was a problem solver. Music was a big part of Joe's life. There are many stories of Joe not being ready to go with the family when they were going on an outing to church or where ever the family was going. The family would find Joe in his bedroom playing the guitar not knowing 2hrs had gone by since they had told him they were leaving in 2hrs. Joe had not gotten ready. Well Joe you didn't tell us you were leaving and you didn't let us know, and we are not ready to say goodbye. Without Joe things are going to be difficult. We all lost someone who can not be replaced, and we wouldn't want to. Thank-you Joe for the memories we have. We love you and miss you my friend.
Sorry for your loss Heather. Joe was a great fellow. Prayers are with you and the family
Dear Heather and Tristan, just heard about Joe and I feel so very sad. I know no words help at this time, I really, really liked Joe and when we would run into one another from time to time it was pure joy to see you three! I am so very sorry for the pain you are in, someday we will all be with Jesus which is far better!
I am saddened by the sudden call home of Joe to be with our Father in Heaven. I will dearly miss him. We spent many years together at Springbrook Church managing different areas of the production team. I remember Joe and I spending an entire Saturday together at church cleaning up the back stage area and the upstairs storage. I learned so much about him that day and over the years, I learned many things from him. He was a good friend, a great teacher and a wonderful loving father and husband. Heather and Tristan, please call us with anything you may need. I will see you again someday brother!
Heather, our heart goes out to you. This is so hard to fathom. Hopefully he and Rich are sharing fun stories and times together. May you fell Gods arms around you and holding you up
We fondly remember his Joyful and outgoing spirit....our prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
I am so saddened by the loss of such a wonderful person. Joe was a Godly leader, mentor and friend. I will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to Heather, Tristan and family for comfort and strength with deepest sympathies. I will miss him so very much but take comfort in knowing we will see him again.
To Heather, and the family, sincere condolences from the Tozers.
To Heather and the rest of the family, Joe has always been a big part of our lives and holds a special place in our hearts. May you feel Gods arms around you and feel his peace.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you Heather and Tristan and the rest of the Heike family. Joe sure was a treasure here on earth and will forever be your guardian angel from up above.
He is missed greater than words can say.
I have fond memories of Joe in a high school and will remember him warmly. May God give comfort to his family.
A special remembrance of Joe was at Ravenswood Covenant Church. He was singing "People Need the Lord" as a vocal solo. He had a special talent that we were all privileged to hear and share at that time. I am sorry he had to go so soon.
My deepest condolences to the family - Joe was a good man that always gave his best to all.
Dear Tristan (and Heather) I Am so sorry for your loss. You life was so rich because your dad was in it. (We often cannot see how rich it is until we have loss.) kissing him is very painful. But always remember the great heritage he gave you. He so loved and enjoyed you. He believes in you and so he gave you the gift of that love in his time, provision, faithfulness and the way he honored God and family. When you are ready Tristan remember the great gift God have you in such a wonderful father. For now know that you are loved by many. Mostly God. Psalm 139:8-14. May comfort you in this dark time. God knew and he gave you my brother Joe. I am praying Gods victory.
My heart goes out to your family! I knew Joe from Ecuador. We played basketball together with Scott Klassen (who also passed away). He was kind and very musical. I played drums and he played guitar for our choir test song we chose - it was Hotel California! The Christian school did not take to our song selection very well - but the teacher was kind and let us do a different song. Praying for all of you!
Joe was always so kind to me. He was always willing to help me with any question or need for Awana preparation - always responding with grace to my multiple requests for fixing my mistakes. Sending my love to you both Heather and Tristan.
Our deepest condolences to the family. You are in our prayers.
So sorry to hear about Joe's passing and know you are in my thoughts and I am praying for your family at this time.
So sorry to hear of Joe's death. He was a wonderful counselor and music leader for the youth group at Ravenswood Covenant Church when I was associate pastor there. Heather and all the Heikes family, you are in my prayers. May Joe rest in peace and rise in glory.
Dear Heather, Tristan, Buzz & Gloria, Anna & Glennis, & Family, I am so sorry that Joe has passed. My heart has been broken the morning that I was told of his death. Joe was a special person to lots if ppl. When I think of Joe I see a great big smile, a hug & a guitar & so much more. Ravenswood was blessed to have Joe. I can go on for ever. Joe was loved on Earth & is total loved in Heaven. Prayer for now & for the days to come. Love you Heather, Tristan, Rankin & Heikes
Dear Tristan (and Heather) I Am so sorry for your loss. You life was so rich because your dad was in it. (We often cannot see how rich it is until we have loss.) kissing him is very painful. But always remember the great heritage he gave you. He so loved and enjoyed you. He believes in you and so he gave you the gift of that love in his time, provision, faithfulness and the way he honored God and family. When you are ready Tristan remember the great gift God have you in such a wonderful father. For now know that you are loved by many. Mostly God. Psalm 139:8-14. May comfort you in this dark time. God knew and he gave you my brother Joe. I am praying Gods victory.
Dear Tristan (and Heather) I Am so sorry for your loss. You life was so rich because your dad was in it. (We often cannot see how rich it is until we have loss.) kissing him is very painful. But always remember the great heritage he gave you. He so loved and enjoyed you. He believes in you and so he gave you the gift of that love in his time, provision, faithfulness and the way he honored God and family. When you are ready Tristan remember the great gift God have you in such a wonderful father. For now know that you are loved by many. Mostly God. Psalm 139:8-14. May comfort you in this dark time. God knew and he gave you my brother Joe. I am praying Gods victory.
Joe was one of the happiest, most positive, energetic guy in High School. His guitar and smile, not to mention his athletic abilities and sportsmanship on the court or field are things I will always remember. His love for Jesus and others was contagious. Praying for his family.
Thank you Lord for Joe, we still can't believe that you left us. Last night, we still feel your existence during church worship rehearsal. We will miss you and your serving the Lord and others. You set a great example for us to follow besides our Lord. We have the same blessed assurance that we'll meet in the future. Thank God for your life. God bless your family on earth as well.