Gerald L. Heimburger

Gerald “Jerry” L. Heimburger, 84, of East Moline, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. Despite the rapid progression of his illness, his family and close friends were by his side every step of the way, keeping him comfortable and surrounded with love and care. No matter how rough it got, Jerry faced it with his characteristic optimism and sharp sense of humor—qualities any human would admire. His strength, warmth, and the respect he inspired in everyone who knew him were evident throughout this time.

A celebration of life will be held on his birthday. Schroder Mortuary in Silvis is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry was born on May 2, 1941, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Leonard and Marjorie (Godsebois) Heimburger. He graduated in 1959 from United Township High School and enlisted served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. On August 12, 1967, he married Leah Way in East Moline, and together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and curiosity.

Jerry’s true passion was his work. He began his career driving for John Hernstrom Excavating before venturing out on his own to start Heimburger Trucking, later leasing to Dan Ash until his retirement in 2015. He took great pride in being self-made and dependable, values that defined both his work ethic and his character.

Never one to stop learning, Jerry earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying Cessna airplanes. He had a lifelong curiosity and was interested in just about everything. He loved working with computers, flying remote-controlled airplanes and drones, launching hobby rockets, learning about space, following investments, and spending hours on YouTube discovering new interests—most recently enjoying Laura’s Farm.

Jerry always had a “project” going or was content to “piddle around.” After his retirement, one of the most important parts of his day became happy hour at the farm from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., where friends and family were always welcome. People came to see him, and it just so happened that it was on a great piece of land with so much history. He had good people around him, and happy hour became a gathering filled with conversation, laughter, and connections, something Jerry truly cherished.

He also took great joy in working on the family farm. Over the past 25 years, with the support of his family, he put the land into the Conservation Reserve Program and spent his time planting trees, adding a pond, and making it look like a park that attracted wildlife—something he took great pride in.

Survivors include his wife, Leah Heimburger; his daughter, Shannon (Jason) Knott; and his siblings, Jean Taylor, June Sadler, Jack (Cheryl) Heimburger, and Janet (Dennis) West.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Juanita Bray.

The farm, much like everyone who knew him, will never be the same without him. Jerry was the anchor—someone everyone wanted to be around, who made people feel welcome, and whose presence simply made things better.