Gary W. Heitman
Gary W. Heitman, 62, of Coon Rapids, Minn., died surrounded by family and friends at Mercy Hospital on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 after a long and courageous struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
He was born in Baraboo, to Howard and Rosa Marie Klein Heitman on Feb. 14, 1947.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Rita; daughters, Kathryn and Rebecca; grandson, Levi; siblings, Nancy (Sheldon) Hanson, Norman (Maureen) Heitman, Mark (Ellen ) Heitman, Mike (Dawn) Heitman, Jeanie (Kevin) Runde; brother-in-law, John Sweeney; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his son, Matthew; parents, Howard and Rose and sister, Carolyn Sweeney.
Visitation was Monday, Sept. 28 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil and prayers at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, Andover, Minn. Visitation will also be held from 9 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Wisconsin Dells.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wisconsin Dells.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association, http://www.mnbdsra.org.
The Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.