Gene C. Heileman

Gene Heileman, 76 of St. Joseph passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, June 2, 2009, following a short but courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Gene was born on Oct. 12, 1932, in Rolfe, Iowa, to Walter and Mable Heileman. In high school Gene was an all around athlete, excelling in swimming and holding several records with his cousin Billy. In 1955, following four years in the Navy, Gene met the love of his life, Janet E. Menkens, on Treasure Island. They married on Sept. 24, 1955. After graduating with honors from Iowa State Teachers College he proceeded to teach his favorite subject, history and teach drivers education in both Marshall, Wisconsin and Omaha, Neb. In 1968, Gene moved his family to Southwest Michigan, where he received a masters in library science at WMU (with a 4.0) and began a career as a Research Librarian at Whirlpool Corp. He retired in 1996. During his life Gene had many loves. He was most proud of his children and all they had become. Erich, General Manger of Vino Valo, San Antonio; Kurt, Owner of Audio Visual Connection, Las Vegas and Anna (Murphy), president of United Way of Southwest Michigan and his favorite son-in-law Rick. His other passions included race car driving, participating in both oval rack and Solo II type racing, motorcycling, running and “putzing”around. Following mom’s retirement in 2000, they upgraded to an RV with a shared passion for being on the road and in 2002, the two of them found a new favorite, working as park aides in the Washington State parks, near Seattle, May thru October. Everyone who knew dad, knew that he had a love affair with a good debate, had a great sense of humor, was an avid reader and learner, had a great sweet tooth and a very caring heart! In addition to his wife Jann and his three children, Erich, Kurt and Anna (Rick), he leaves his sister Heidi Horner of Las Vegas; brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Nina Menkens of Palm Springs, and several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to United Way of Southwest Michigan (specifically the Imagination Library) or the Humane Society. Friends of the family may join us for a celebration of Gene’s life on Saturday, June 6, 5 to 8 p.m. at the home of Rick and Anna Murphy. Please call 269-921-5262 for directions. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.