James Henegar

James A. Henegar, age 85, of Belvidere, passed away August 6, 2020, at the Maple Crest Care Center in Belvidere. Funeral services will be scheduled at a later date due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and family being unable to attend. James was born on February 2, 1935, delivered by his grandmother, at the Henegar family home in Wayne, Nebraska, the son of Lonnie and Myrtle (Hogan). He graduated from Wayne High School in 1953 and has enjoyed going back to visit at his class reunions. He was a proud veteran, serving 2 years in the U.S. Army. Jim was a lifelong baker and worked at many bakeries in many different states. He and Karen along with all seven of their children, many of their children’s spouses, and several grandchildren assumed roles in the baking industry under their guidance. Jim continued his passion for baking by working for Guttenplan Baking, traveling the country and opening bakeries while sharing his knowledge of this field with others until his retirement in 2000. He married Karen Schmitz, the daughter of Henry and Iola (Jones) Schmitz, of Wayne, on June 25, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wayne. They celebrated 65 years of marriage this past June. Jim and Karen have 7 children, Debi (Curt) Gardis of Jefferson, GA, Mike Henegar of Platte City, MO, Doug (Sharon Fahs) Henegar of Viera, FL, Don (Nancy Whitlock) Henegar of Dixon, IL, Rich (Renea Flack) Henegar of Punta Gorda, FL, Patrick Henegar of Sarasota, FL, and Tami (Tony) Shaver of Belvidere, IL. Also surviving is one brother, Robert (Karen) Henegar of Norfolk, NE, eighteen grandchildren, JJ, (Karen) Randall, Travis (Susan) Randall, Nick Randall, Kaity Gardis, Kate (Joel) Falcone, Craig Henegar, Ashley Henegar, Alex (Jessica) Henegar, Brittany Henegar, Kristina Henegar, Brianna (Brian) Newman, Jianna (Matt) Gagnon, Jonathon Henegar, Hannah Henegar, Taylor (Earl) Towne, Tyler (Katie) Shaver, Taryn (Drew) Seyller, Tallison (Nate) Underwood, Poppy was also loved by 24 great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marilyn (Joe) Hammond, 3 grandchildren, Shawna Randall, Kyle Henegar, and Kristopher Henegar. Jim was a member of the Dixon Elks for many years and he and Karen spent many enjoyable nights together there with friends and family. He was a member of the Retail Baker’s Association and attended many conventions all over the nation. Jim and Karen lived and worked in many states while raising their families and owned and operated The Snow White Bakery in Dixon, IL for many years. He was very artistic and enjoyed decorating cakes and oil painting. Many of his paintings are in his family’s homes and will be enjoyed for many generations to come.  Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

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