Illene M. Luthanen

Illene M. Luthanen passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the age of 88.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to The Arc of the Quad Cities.

Illene was born on January 3, 1938, the daughter of Harold and Sadie (Lawler) Heyman and was raised on the family farm with her two older sisters in Monroeville, Ohio. She graduated from Monroeville High School in 1955 and met Richard, her husband of 66 years, while attending Kent State University in Ohio. After graduating in 1959, they moved to Wisconsin, where they began building their life together. In 1968, they made their home in New Lenox, Illinois, where they raised their two daughters. Throughout their 22 years in Illinois, Illene dedicated herself to raising her family and became a tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities. During this time, they also spent summers at their cottage on Moose Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin, creating lasting memories.

After Richard’s retirement in 1990, Richard and Illene embraced a new chapter and began splitting their time between the Moose Lake cottage and a 100-acre hobby farm in Readstown, Wisconsin. Eventually, they settled near the Mississippi River in Port Byron, Illinois before making their final home at Overlook Village in Moline, Illinois.

In addition to being a stalwart advocate for disability rights, Illene loved being outdoors. She was an avid gardener, especially of native prairie plants, and enjoyed birding, hiking and traveling with family and friends. Of strong faith, Illene remained active in the Lutheran Church throughout her adult life. Illene was also a great cook and baker, and she had an infectious energy and zest for life that brought joy to everyone around her.

Illene is survived by her husband, Richard and daughter, Kristina O’Brien of St. Louis, Missouri. She was also loved by many nieces and nephews. Illene was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Felicity and sisters Marge Berkich and Nita DeVos.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.