William Heike

William Heike, age 95, of Willmar, died Tuesday, September 4, at Copperleaf Senior Living Community in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, September 8, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

William was born November 27, 1922, on a farm north of Gluek, the son of John and Gertrude (Schmid) Heike. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. When he was 6 years old, his family moved to a farm in Louristen Township in Chippewa County. William attended County School District 36. They later moved to a farm west of Willmar and he farmed with his dad. He was drafted into the Armed Forces, but was discharged after becoming sick with jaundice. He married Beatrice Heike on November 9, 1946 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar and they made their home in Willmar. He worked as a lineman for Willmar Municipal Utilities for 35 years.

He was a member of Vinje Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher and deacon. He was also active with the Willmar Senior Citizens and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2334. William enjoyed time at their hobby farm east of Willmar and loved planting and working in the dirt. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and bowling, and loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Beatrice; three daughters, Audrey Lankey, Darleen (and Roger) Manthey, and Arlys (and Doug) Gronli; seven grandchildren, David (and Chanda) Lankey, Michelle (and Daniel) Strese, Michael (and Jackie) Manthey, Erik (and Kristen) Manthey, Jesse Manthey, Terresa (and Jason) Kuboushek, and Julie (and Brian) Trcka; and eleven great-grandchildren, Amber Lankey, McKenna & Chase Manthey, Mason & Gabriella Manthey, Emma, Abigail, Noah & Jonah Kuboushek, and Sara & Kate Trcka; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Gertrude Kimpling, Minnie Johnson, and Bertha Suter; a brother, Ray Heike; and a grandson, Aaron Lankey.

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