ROCKFORD, IL — An inspirational educator, devoted mother of three and beloved wife has died after waging a courageous battle against Stage 4 colon cancer that spread through her body.
Heidi Dettman, 45, of Cherry Valley, rose through the ranks from teacher to become chief academic officer of Rockford Public Schools, one of the largest school systems in Illinois. She died May 14 after being diagnosed with cancer in October 2025.
Dettman believed in the power of education to change lives.
“We can be pulled off task so easily today but our focus remains encouraging children to grow from pre-k through post-secondary and become the future we all need,” Dettman wrote in a February post on LinkedIn. “Deep thinking, empathy, creative problem solving, curiosity, innovation, a love for ‘what’s possible.’ These are the sparks our classrooms should ignite.”
A GoFundMe established by Dettman’s husband, Andy Dettman, said Dettman was the “heart of her family.” It had raised $14,204 on the afternoon of May 18 toward a goal of $25,000 to help support her family.
“Her passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of her husband and children, who are now facing the long and emotional journey that no young family should have to endure,” the GoFundMe post said.
Dettman’s LinkedIn post said she was planning on returning to daily work with the school system despite continuing cancer treatment that had included two surgeries and chemotherapy.
“Cancer has taught me to be nimble, pragmatic, focused on solutions and most importantly — hopeful,” Dettman wrote.
Rockford School Board member Nicole Bennett, during a phone interview, said Dettman was a friend and colleague she met a couple years before joining the board. Bennett said that Dettman was selfless, an excellent mother and a devoted educator who still somehow had time to worry about how others were doing despite her illness.
While undergoing surgeries and treatment, Dettman would still contact Bennett asking about how Bennett’s family was doing.
“She was such a fierce advocate for education, and education for all kids,” Bennett said. “What a great mom she was and even during her battles with cancer, people have commented, and at random times she would check on me, or random times ask about what other people had going on. She was just so good about checking on people.”
Dettman was determined to keep a positive attitude. As she suffered through cancer and its treatment, she would sign updates on her progress with the phrase “onward!” As those who loved Dettman and will miss her paid tribute to her in social media posts, many of them adopted the tagline.
“She felt like she had to keep a good mindset, a positive mindset, like she had to have goals for herself,” Bennett said. “And one of the goals was being home with her kids as much as she could be home and not in the hospital.”
Dettman was a 1998 Lutheran High School graduate who earned her bachelor’s and masters degrees from Northern Illinois University.
She was an English teacher for a decade at Hononegah High School before she was hired in 2012 in Rockford Public Schools where she served as a dean, curriculum director, executive director and ultimately chief academic officer and as a member of Ehren Jarrett’s cabinet. She also served as co-chair of the Alignment Rockford Operating Board and was named one of 10 People to Watch in 2015 by the Rockford Register Star.
“More than her titles, Heidi will be remembered for the way she made people feel,” Jarrett wrote in a letter informing RPS 205 staff of Dettman’s death. “She was thoughtful, driven and deeply dedicated to helping others succeed. She believed in students, supported staff and approached every challenge with grace and determination. Her leadership helped shape the future of our district.”
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford educator leaves ‘unimaginable void’ after fight with cancer
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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