Heidi Jean Hawbaker

Heidi Jean Hawbaker, 58, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 5:10 pm on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

She was born on October 16, 1967, in Temple, TX, to Elmer R. and Janet M. (Michels) Hawbaker.

Surviving are her mother, Janet of Germantown Hills, IL; sister, Judy (Bill) Hartman of Naperville, IL; brother, Rob (Karyn) Hawbaker of Germantown Hills, IL; one niece, Jackie Hartman (Nick Palumbo) of Plainfield, IL; four nephews, Joe Hartman (Jacob Michael) of Oswego, IL, Jake Hartman of Ivor, VA, Harry Hawbaker of Ames, IA, and Reece Hawbaker of Germantown Hills, IL; one great-niece, Harper Palumbo; and two great-nephews, Cayden and Will Palumbo. She was preceded in death by her father.

Heidi was a one-of-a-kind individual with a beautiful soul. She had her quirks and remained strong through the challenges that life threw her way, including her multi-year battle with cancer. She had a wonderful (though somewhat secretive) artistic side, eclectically broad taste in music, a steel trap memory, great compassion, and the sharpest wit. These last two, compassion and wit, really came out during those last years with her dad. The wit was a daily back & forth between them, and the compassion was really evident (and appreciated) during dad’s final days.

Heidi loved animals with all her heart, and if you have a pet, please give them a “hug for Heidi” in her honor - she’d love it. Heidi had a number of cats over the years, but most dear to her was her beloved Janie, who “found Heidi” and helped her through some tough years. Heidi was a bit of a recluse and liked to celebrate “hermit week” each year. She was able to show her personality more freely over social media, where she developed many close friendships over the years which she cherished.

Heidi enjoyed nature, particularly the hours she used to spend exploring “her creek” behind the home in Mossville, IL. The bugs and dirt didn’t bother her, and creek excursions occasionally yielded a great prize like an antique bottle or a Native American arrowhead. She also had a passion for genealogy, where she loved to research her family as well as helping others with their ancestry exploration. Oh, and she was a grammar watchdog, so next time you use the wrong “your” for “you’re”, know that she would be rolling her eyes and pointing out the correction.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Private inurnment of ashes, along with those of her father, will be at St. Mary of Assumption Cemetery in West Point, Iowa at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to TAPS Animal Shelter, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to OSF Cancer Care Institute, 1310 North Missouri Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

TAPS Animal Shelter, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554

OSF Cancer Care Institute, 1310 North Missouri Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603