Amy Lynn Calhoun

Amy Lynn Calhoun, 50, of Naperville, Illinois, entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 25, 2026, after facing cancer with immense grace, strength, and bravery. She was born April 11, 1976, in Freeport, Illinois, to Jim and Diane (Willson) Calhoun.

Amy grew up in Mt. Carroll and graduated from Mt. Carroll High School in 1994. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, and a master’s degree from Columbia College.

She married Randy Knott in 2003 with whom she had two boys, Barrett and Brady. On February 1, 2020, Amy married Aaron Heitmann in Wisconsin Dells. Aaron was her beloved husband, and the love they shared made both of their lives feel special.

Family was the absolute heart of Amy’s world. She poured her whole soul into raising her sons, finding her greatest joy in their growth and serving as their fiercest advocate—a constant, unwavering protector whenever they needed her. Together, they built a lifetime of cherished memories through continuous new adventures, travels, and family gatherings.

She treasured the special bond she had with her parents, and they always made sure Amy was cared for and loved all the way through to the end. Throughout her life, she helped guide her sister, Jamie. This included making sure Jamie knew they didn’t like dogs and turning her into a Mandrell sister. (But not Barbara because only Amy could be Barbara.) Amy also enjoyed time in Hayward, Wisconsin with the Heitmann family. Above all else, Amy loved her family fiercely, completely, and without reserve.

Amy worked for 26 years at the College of DuPage, in the marketing and communications department. She also served as treasurer for the Naperville Fire Protection District, a role she took great pride in.

Amy had a lifelong love of learning. She believed reading was only worthwhile if you learned something from it. Her parents lovingly told her they would only help with four years of college because they knew otherwise she would happily continue her education just to keep learning.

Amy’s curiosity about new things drove her passion for cooking, gardening and entertaining for friends and family. She was known to be a shutterbug always taking pictures, and her photo-books that she gave as gifts, will be cherished forever.

Aaron, Barrett, and Brady showered Amy with love and care throughout her battle with cancer. As was her wish, Amy was lovingly and tenderly cared for in her final days by Aaron, her Aunt Pat and Sue. (cousin) Her family is forever grateful for the compassionate care, gentle devotion, and profound respect they all showed to Amy.

Amy is survived by her husband Aaron Heitmann of Naperville; her sons, Barrett and Brady Knott, both of Naperville; her parents, Jim and Diane Calhoun; and her sister, Jamie (Scott) Woodley of Lanark; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her special grandmothers, Edna Kehl, Evelyn Calhoun and great grandma Lil.

A funeral service will be held 2pm Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Mt. Carroll Church of God, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Visitation will be held at the church from 3 - 6pm Saturday, October 3, 2026 and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Burial of ashes will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. You can livestream the funeral at either of the following links. https://m.youtube.com/@mtcarrollchurchofgod6769/streams?ra=m

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