William F. Heine

William F. Heine, 85 of Battle Creek, died Sunday, August 5, 2007 at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility, having resided there just five weeks.

He was born May 31, 1922 in Olean, New York the son of William H. and Marguerite (Sharp) Heine. They moved to Battle Creek from Durham, NC, where his father played baseball, and was offered employment by the Kellogg Company, in order to play ball for them. William graduated from St. Philip Catholic High School in 1940, was a veteran of WWII, serving as a Fire Controlman aboard the USS Stevenson in the U.S. Navy. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He married the former Patricia Ann Henry in New York City, St. Patrick's Cathedral, on July 15, 1943, while in port before leaving for the South Pacific. She preceded him in death on January 18, 1991. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jean Andrews and brother, John "Jack" Heine.

He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as a member of the Dad's Club and Legion of Mary, and attended DeColores. All his children attended grade school at St. Joseph Elementary. He was an excellent father, passing on his faith in God, respect for all people, especially elders, by word and example. He was "neighborhood Dad" to every kid on the block. He spent time fixing bikes, making kites, setting up slot car tracks and "official" races each Saturday at the St. Joseph Hall, complete with a trophy to the best-of-seven race winner, who would return the following week to defend his trophy.

He worked in the trade of electrotyping for years with Crescents, BC Engraving and Mueller Color Plating, then retired after 15 years with Brown Brothers Construction. Hobbies included camping with family and special neighbors "up north" at Lake Michigan and Canada. Family trips taken to New York State visiting close relatives were special times. He enjoyed sailing on Goguac Lake, was a skilled photographer, developing his own photos, built and flew radio-controlled sailplanes; passed on some of that interest to a grandson, and enjoyed fishing and small game hunting earlier when the boys were growing up.

Surviving are his children, William J. (Marianne) Heine of Delton, Robert J. (Shelia) Heine of Battle Creek, Carol (James) Warboys of Riverside, CA, Christine (Jerry) Klepper of Mears, Kathleen (Matthew) Stover of Battle Creek and Linda G. (Scott) LaFontsee of Grand Rapids; thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who have all come to see him during his stay at C.C.M.C.F. and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, V.A. Medical Center or the charity of your choice.