William Heller

William Richard Heller, son of Virginia nee Brown and LeRoy Heller, was born on May 15, 1945 in Washington, D.C. He was baptized on November 22, 1945 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Ranier, MD. He went to grade school at Grace English Lutheran School and was confirmed on May 15, 1960 at Grace English Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL. He attended Forman High School in Chicago and graduated in 1964. On June 26, 1965 he married his high-school sweetheart and love of his life, Kristine Joyce Pencek. They have three children Jeff, Tracy and Heidi, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Bill was active in the churches he was a member of and served on the finance committee. He also was active in his children’s school. He was a member of his church bowling league and passed down his love of bowling to his grandchildren, whom he took bowling many times. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and could be seen flying the W flag from his front porch. He also enjoyed fishing as a pastime but only if he could fish with his grandchildren. He never ventured far from home, but enjoyed numerous trips to Cape May, NJ, Disney World, and yearly trips to Wisconsin Dells with the whole family. Most people will remember Bill as a dedicated Elvis fan, a die-hard Cubs fan, and an outdoor Christmas lights enthusiast.

Bill’s special gift to us was his relationship with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known to them as Paw. He chose to work the night shift so he would always be available to pick grandkids up from school, help with homework when they were older and always took them on outings to the zoo, Go Bananas, Kiddieland, bowling, and treated them to milkshakes. The family always gathered for Friday night pizza and Sunday dinner. When the great-grandchildren came along he was always able to engage with them and during his illness was able to perk up whenever they were around. His love for his family was clearly shone in all he did. He always had his camcorder ready to film special moments in their lives.

When illness took away his mobility and his memories, he never complained and faced his challenges with quiet dignity. His faith was strong and he knew that his struggles in this life were temporary and that he would soon find rest in the arms of the Lord.

Bill is predeceased by his parents Virginia(Brown) and LeRoy Heller and his sister Barbara Stephensen. He is survived by his wife Kristine(Pencek)Heller, his brother Kenneth Heller, his children Jeff (Kathleen) Heller, Tracy (Brent Peterson) Heller, Heidi (Tim) McInerney, his grandchildren, Thomas (Christina Lovecky) McInerney, Kristine(Frank) Romeo, William (Kelly Biggs) McInerney, Emma Heller, Elizabeth Heller, and his great-grandchildren Hunter McInerney, Hayden McInerney, J.T. Romeo, and Noelle Romeo.

Funeral arrangements were made by Cumberland Chapels, Norridge, IL. Private inurnment will be at a later date at St. Luke Cemetery, Chicago. Memorials may be given in Bill’s memory to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 260 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or St. Paul Lutheran Church, 5650 N. Canfield Ave. Chicago, IL 60631.