Madge Patricia Hearn

Madge Patricia (Korff) Hearn 89, passed away peacefully at her Cabin Livin’ residence in Hennepin, Illinois on Monday March 25th. She had suffered from various health challenges as well as some dementia in recent months. Her passing frees her of these earthly pains and moves her on to her new home as a resident of heaven.

She was born Madge Patricia Korff in Evansville, Indiana on November 29, 1934. The daughter of Edward Victor Korff and Lelia Madge (Edmond) Korff, she attended Bosse High School in Evansville. Madge married Charles Hearn on June 26, 1955 while both were in college. She earned her B.S. and her M.S. in education from Indiana State University, later adding to that, post-graduate work in music from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Her educational journey includes roles as teacher, volleyball and basketball coach, vocal and instrumental music director, elementary principal and administrator. She taught in Terre Haute, Indiana; Paducah, Kentucky; Grand Ridge, Utica, and Rutland, Illinois before retiring in 1993. Having excelled at clarinet throughout her educational career she shared her knowledge giving private clarinet lessons to many young people.

Having moved to Ottawa, Illinois in 1959, Madge and Charles quickly became involved in the community. Madge was on the board at the YMCA acting as secretary for 9 years. They enjoyed social opportunities through bridge clubs and other activities. Camping, boating, bicycling and other outdoor pursuits were a big part of
summer family time. An avid sports fan, Madge loved watching the Chicago Cubs. Having a passion for women’s college sports she conscientiously followed the Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball team.

She was a member of the American Association of University Women serving as president from 1971 to 1973. She was principal clarinetist with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra for 10 years and a lifelong member of Sigma Kappa sorority. She was listed in the 1968 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America. Madge received the Educator’s award from Rutland School in 1993.

Madge was a faithful member of the Ottawa Church of Christ serving as a Bible class teacher for many years. She was a great partner to Charles in his work as an elder for the church.

Madge and Charles shared a great passion for antiques. Together they sold and collected many unusual pieces and loved to share their knowledge on the subject. Lots of weekends were spent in their booth at the Sandwich Fair selling furniture and depression glass.

After retirement, Madge and Charles spent their winters in Holiday, Florida where they devoted much time at the beach reading and soaking up the sun. Madge taught line dancing classes to resident ladies at their park where they made many new friends over the years.

Madge is survived by her husband Charles, three sons Jeff (Sandy) Hearn of Mountain Home, Arkansas; Jay (Sally) Hearn of St. Charles, Illinois; and Douglas (Norah) Hearn of Peru, Illinois; along with eight grandchildren, Isaac, Rachel, Charlie, Claudia, Henry, Olivia, Will and Adelaide and a great grand daughter Mila Rose. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother and double cousin Jackie Geiselman.

There will be a private family memorial held to celebrate her life.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Ottawa Church of Christ or Rutland Grade School District 230.

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