Joyce Anne (Like) Heuerman (78) of Effingham

Joyce Anne (Like) Heuerman, age 78, of Effingham, IL, passed away early Thursday morning on June 3, 2021 at her residence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, IL. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here. 

Joyce was born in rural Farina, IL on February 19, 1943, to Richard “Dick” and Helen (Siegfried) Like.

Survivors include her loving husband of 59 years, Ralph Heuerman of Effingham, IL; children, Richard (Rita) Heuerman of Mattoon and Helen Edwards of Mahomet; grandchildren, Deanna, Ryan, Jason, Alex, and Logan; one great-grandchild, Isabella; and siblings, Lois Hout, Keith Like, Jim (Pat) Like, Carolyn (Tom) Hebron, Gerald (Karen) Like, Reta Swingler, and Larry Like. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Phyllis Stock; and brothers, John and Fr. Wayne Like.

Joyce graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1961. She married the love of her life, Ralph Heuerman, on December 28, 1961. The couple then moved to Tampa, Florida, where Ralph was serving in the United States Air Force. Upon returning home to Illinois, they were blessed with two children, Richard and Helen.

Joyce loved being a mother and grandmother. She devoted herself to her family, staying at home to raise her children, and spending much of her time with her grandchildren. After raising her children, she was employed by Wal-Mart (Effingham) in the jewelry department for 18 years.

Joyce enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. For many years she also enjoyed annual vacations to Savannah, Georgia, where she visited her brother Keith and enjoyed golfing at courses in the area.

She was an excellent cook and she loved baking for family and friends, especially during the holidays. She was famous for her chocolate chip and sugar cookies.

She was a faithful member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, IL. Joyce will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved her.