Billy C. Heiland's Obituary
Mt. Zion-Billy 'Bill' Heiland, 84, of Mt. Zion, passed away 11:25 pm Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at Lincoln Manor in Decatur.
Bill was born October 24, 1926 in Tuscola, IL the son of Glenn and Blanche (Coventry) Heiland. He proudly served his country twice in the U.S. Army, serving in France during WW II and he was called up later during the Korean Conflict. He was employed by Houdaille Hershey. He was later employed as an electrician for school district #61 until his retirement in 1988. He married Mae Mandley on March 3, 1947 in Forest, Maryland. He was a member of the Decatur Moose Club, an avid bowler and golfer, and he enjoyed fishing.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Mae Heiland of Mt. Zion; his sons, Kevin Heiland of Mt. Zion; Gary (wife – Lisa) Heiland of Ohio; his brothers, Berkley of Alabama and Kerwin (wife – Sue) of Florida; and his sisters, Colleen (Heiland) Jester of Decatur; Veronica Barnfield of New Jersey; and Yvonne (husband ' Gordon) Ekiss of Florida.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Karen Vandenberg, brother, Shelly Heiland, sister-in-law, Lou Heiland, brother-in-law, Gene Barnfield, niece, Karen Goff, and nephew, Terry Heiland.
Services to celebrate Bill's life will be 2:00 pm Monday, June 13, 2011 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with Pastor Miley Palmer officiating. Visitation will be from 1 ' 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment concluding with the 'Flight Home' ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the donor's choice.
The family of Billy 'Bill' Heiland has entrusted the care of their loved one to Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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