Frederick William Heinkel's Obituary
Decatur-Frederick “The Great” William Heinkel Jr., 75, of Decatur, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus Sunday, September 25, 2016 in his home with his family by his side.
Fred was born February 5, 1941 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Frederick and Helen (Nickel) Heinkel Sr. He graduated from Eisenhower High School and then the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy in 1964. He met Suzanne the love of his life a RN at the U of I Research Hospital in 1966. Fred married Suzanne Remensnyder on August 26, 1967 in Barrington, Illinois. He was a pharmacist with Osco which became CVS retiring after thirty-five years of service. After retirement he loved spending time with his mother, wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and was a die-hard fan of the Illini, Cubs, and Bears. Fred was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church and the U of I Alumni Association. He was famous for making his grandchildren laugh.
He leaves behind his wife of forty-nine years Suzanne of Decatur, beloved mother Helen of Decatur, daughters Katharine Heinkel of Cary, North Carolina and Karen (Peter) Schussler of Peoria, and loving grandchildren Rachel and Claire Schussler of Peoria and Noah and Savannah Vivian of Cary, North Carolina.
He was reunited in Heaven with his father and grandson Nicholas Wheeler Vivian.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff with St. John’s Hospice for all of their loving care and the staff at the Hilton Homewood Suites in Forsyth for making our travels home comfortable.
He lived his life to the fullest and was always the life of the party. He will never be forgotten.
Services to celebrate Fred’s life will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 2155 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, with Pastors Bill and Brock Abbott officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
The family of Frederick “The Great” William Heinkel Jr. is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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