Jessica was born July 21, 1990 in Quincy, IL. Jessica went to be with Jesus on July 10, 2025 with
her family by her side. On September 26, 1990, when Jessica was just nine weeks old, she came
to stay with us, Dave and Clairice Hetzler, for what was expected to be about 2 months. The 2
months became a couple of years and during that time we fell in love with her. We adopted
Jessica in December 1993.
Jessica was quadriplegic. Jessica could not talk or walk or take care of her own needs. Jessica
loved to sing! Church was her favorite place. She loved to sing in church with her characteristic
joy; she was usually smiling, loud, and belting out the words only she understood. Those people
who knew her understood that she was praising the Lord. Sometimes it was difficult for her to
end the song even when the music had stopped. Jessica loved to be with the family. Sometimes
her joy and conversation was so overflowing that her joy filled the room. You could not help but
smile when you were with Jessica.
Although Jessica never spoke, she taught our family many lessons about simple joy. She taught
us that perfection comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Jessica taught us to lean on
our faith because each day was a gift and although we sometimes didn’t know how we were
going to maneuver the challenges, God always provided a way. Jessica opened our eyes to the
needs of children; something we had not understood before. We treasure the time we had with
Jessica and are thankful that somehow we were given the opportunity to care for this precious
treasure for the past 35 years. Jessica inspired Mom to go back and get her Masters of Social
Work and Dad to use his retirement years to promote individual growth through working at
John Wood Community College.
Jessica attended Transitions School and graduated in 2012. Jessica attended Crossing Church on
48th Street.
Jessica is survived by her parents, David and Clairice Hetzler, brothers, David Jr (Susan) of Mint
Hill, North Carolina, Jason Hetzler (Jennifer) of Quincy, and Chuck Hetzler (Karen) of Quincy;
nieces and nephews: Joshua Hetzler (Allyson) and their son, Zechariah David, Elisha Hetzler,
Jacob Hetzler, Karly Peters, Nate Peters, and Anna Peters, Nathanael Hetzler, Nico Hetzler,
Annalise Hetzler, and Amari Hetzler. Jessica’s special friends: her personal assistant for the last
13 years, Diana Keokham, and Pam Dade who has been caring for Jessica for the last 2 years.
She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jessica was preceded in death by her
maternal grandparents: Clarence and Arlene Walker, paternal grandfather: Wilbur Hetzler,
paternal grandmothers: Delores Hetzler and Beth Hetzler. Her nephew, Zechariah Insel-Hetzler.
Visitation: 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at the Crossing (48 th & Maine).
Service: 4:00 pm on Tuesday, July 15 ,2025 at the Crossing, with Rev. Dr. Chuck Hetzler
officiating.
A private graveside service will be held in Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois.
Memorial donations may be made to the Advocacy Network for Children, Transitions of
Western Illinois or to the JWCC Foundation (for College for Life). Memorial donations may be
made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
