Howard W. “Sonny” Heileman, 96, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, September 15, 1925, in East Saint Louis, IL, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, IL.
Sonny was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville IL since 1968. He worked as a carman for the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Burlington Northern Railroad for 45 years. Also, part time sales person for Model Auto Sales in Belleville, IL for 20 years. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmans of America over 50 years. He served in the Marine Corps 5th Division during WWII as a radio operator, and by the Grace of God, was an Iwo Jima survivor. He was among the first to occupy Japan in September 1945. Mr. Heileman graduated with the Class of 1941 at Lansdowne Jr. High School in East St. Louis, IL and was a member of 1944 Class of Belleville Township High School.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife of 61 years: Betty, nee Louvier, Heileman
- Parents: Addrienne L. Heileman, nee Hefti, and Charles E. Heileman
- Brother-in-law: Paul Heyduck Jr.
Surviving are:
- Two daughters
- Ann (Gary) Karasek of Swansea, IL
- Mary (David) Lonski of Belleville, IL
- Three granddaughters
- Ayanna Karasek of FL
- Madeline (Matt) Cross of IN
- Miranda Lonski (fiancé, Jarrad Davis) of Belleville, IL
- Great grandchildren
- Brayden Cross
- great granddaughter due in April
- Sister: Charlene (Skip) Heyduck of Huntington, TN
- Nieces and nephews
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday, December 27, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm, Monday, December 27, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Bob Swickard officiating. Private family interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Live streaming can be viewed at www.facebook.com/KurrusFH starting at 6:55 pm on Monday, December 27, 2021
9 Comments To "Howard W. “Sonny” Heileman"
#1 Comment By Rocky Cole On December 23, 2021 @ 1:23 pm
Great man! I’m really gonna miss that smile and friendly greeting. Sunday mornings at St Matthew just won’t be the same.
#2 Comment By Robert Souders On December 23, 2021 @ 2:28 pm
Sonny and Betty Heileman and family were some of the first members we took in at St Matthew. They were most active in our church and their daughters were very involved in our youth program. They were devoted to Jesus and His church. What great friends they were for so many years. We loved their family. Blessings to his family
#3 Comment By La Donna Kalish On December 23, 2021 @ 6:16 pm
One of the friendliest, sweetest and kind man that I have ever known!!! For sure, he will be missed at St. Matthew Church!! Heaven just gained a wonderful angel!!
#4 Comment By Phil Souders On December 23, 2021 @ 10:17 pm
One of the kindest men you would ever hope to meet. A gentleman in the truest sense. Ann and Mary and families, my heartfelt sympathies to you all! May God grant you peace in the knowledge he is now reunited with your beloved Mother, and is with Jesus! ❤️
#5 Comment By Sara Huge On December 23, 2021 @ 11:44 pm
He sounds like he was a great man . I would have loved to hear about his war time stories and his time in Japan . He had many accomplishments in his life . I would hear the nursing staff come out of his room saying he’s such a sweet man . God bless him and may he Rest In Peace. He is finally home . Sara
#6 Comment By Mike & Janice Petri – Batavia, IL On December 24, 2021 @ 8:59 pm
Ann & Mary,
Sonny & Betty were wonderful neighbors on 47th Street. You have our sympathy.
#7 Comment By Ruth Anglin On December 25, 2021 @ 3:45 pm
So sorry for your loss. What a great Godly man. Sorry I won’t be able to be attend the wake or funeral. We will be out of town. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you so much.
Love,
Ruthie
#8 Comment By Janice Hennigs Nester On December 26, 2021 @ 9:36 am
Ann, Mary, and Families,
What a wonderful person and father! Such a true blessing to have known your family through the years! Much love, hugs, and many prayers to all of you!
#9 Comment By Linda Bentley On December 26, 2021 @ 12:50 pm
Sonny was as great neighbor and we talked frequently. He always had a smile on his face and we would catch up on neighborhood news. My dad (RIP) would have been his age and in the same war. I think it’s one reason I could relate so well to him. I will miss him. Ann and Mary took such great care of him. They are like my neighbors too.