Rene A. VanDerHeyden, 60, of Genoa, IL died on May 18, 2024 at his home.

He was born on September 2, 1963 in Geneva, IL to Antoine and Germaine (Kirchmann) VanDerHeyden.  He married Suzanne Wendt on April 17, 1993. He ran his own architecture firm, R.A. Architect out of his home office from 1997 until he passed away. He loved taking someone's dreams, putting them on paper, and then seeing them come to life when they were built.

For fun, he had a monthly poker game (nickel, dime, quarter of course) with his friends and family that he helped keep going over 30 years! He also enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons with his son and a few lifelong friends he made along the way.

He was a member of the Genoa Lions Club in good standing since November of 2002 and he served as secretary for almost ten years of that period. He received the Melvin Jones award this past February for his outstanding tenure of service.

Survivors include his wife, Suzanne, son Paul (Natalie) VanDerHeyden, daughter Jillian (Jarred) Zekoff, and daughter Anna (Evan) Foust, grandchildren include Ella, Penny, and Mia. Also surviving are his parents, Tony and Germaine VanDerHeyden, and his brothers Dana (Deanna) VanDerHeyden, Paul (Cathy) VanDerHeyden, and Mario (Amanda) VanDerHeyden.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Arthur and Marie VanDerHeyden and John and Martha Kirchmann.

His visitation will be Friday, May 24th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL.

His funeral service will be on Saturday, May 25th at 10:30 AM at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore, IL.

Memorials for Rene can be made to the Genoa Lions Club.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com