William Martin Heimann

William Martin Heimann 71, passed into eternal life early in the morning of Saturday, February 16, 2019. He was a devoted husband and loyal friend. He spent many hours donating his time and talents to projects that benefitted others. He loved to serve others through both his work and Church. He was born in Centralia, Illinois, on July 13, 1947 to Emma Langenhorst and William Joseph Heimann. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Betty (Felix) Wilke. Survivors include his spouse, Jean M. Heimann, and siblings, Virgil (Janet) Heimann, Germantown, Illinois, and Janet (Mel) Deien, Breese, Illinois. Bill was a retired manufacturing engineer and driver. He possessed an avid interest in airplanes, the military and American history. He played with the 1966–67 Men’s Basketball Team at Kaskaskia College in Kaskaskia, Illinois, where he was awarded MVP and was inducted into the Kaskaskia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #4118, and was devoted to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and its members. His favorite jobs entailed driving. He drove a school bus, transported military recruits to Kansas City and Oklahoma City for the Department of Defense, and delivered trucks and buses cross-country. If anyone needed a prayer, Bill was the man. He loved to pray the Rosary. Rosary, 7 p.m., Thursday, February 21; Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Friday, February 22, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.