Sandra Jean “Pete” Heimsoth, 84, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away on October 27, 2026.
Pete was born on July 13, 1942, in Bloomington, Illinois. Her nickname, by which everyone knew her, came from her maiden name, Peters.
Pete and her husband, Tom, met in Bloomington and were married in the woods at Funks Grove, Illinois. They shared 56 years of marriage.
They began their married life in Bloomington and then moved to Naperville, where they raised their four children together as one family. They later lived in Oswego before settling in Ottawa, Illinois, a place Tom describes as “the best place ever.”
Pete was everyone’s friend. She always had a smile on her face and love for the people around her. She laughed often, loved people, and kept busy caring for her family. She especially enjoyed playing poker and board games with her children and grandchildren.
Pete loved caring for the farm, tending the yard, and looking after their two homes. There was much to manage every day, and she devoted her time and attention to the people and places she loved.
In the years before 2002, Pete played a very important supporting role in building RIMS, a software company in Naperville. She also brought her patience, love, and steady support to the development of Heritage Harbor in Ottawa. Her care for their family, farm, and homes was an important part of the life they built together. Heritage Harbor stands as their shared legacy.
Pete is survived by her husband, Tom Heimsoth; her four children, Kelli M. Feltz (Tom), Kristopher Spaniol (Kim), Jeffrey T. Heimsoth (Debbie), and Julie Ann Young (Tim); and nine grandchildren: Kyle Bombard (girlfriend Lexi Carr), Lukas Spaniol (Kerrie), Sammi Spaniol, Owen Heimsoth, Isabel Heimsoth, Eva Heimsoth, Ally Young, Emily Young, and Katie Young. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Leland Spaniol, and her step-great-grandchildren, Jayden and Mia.
She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Peters; her mother, Marie Wheeler; her stepfather, Russell Wheeler; and her brother, Larry Peters.
Pete will be remembered for her smile, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Vue Event Center at Heritage Harbor, 417 Great Loop East, Ottawa, IL 61350. Light refreshments will be served. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Starved Rock Country Community Foundation online at www.SRCCF.org or by mail to 116 W. Lafayette Street, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL 61350.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433.