Curtis Wayne Heimlich

Curt was born on October 11, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Herman and Lulu Heimlich. He passed away peacefully in Sacramento, California on August 25, 2024 at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Jan Heimlich, and by his parents, his brothers Charlie, Kenny, and Jerry and his sister Delpha.

Curt met Jan Rakow in 1948 while singing together in a church choir. They married on September 1, 1951 and soon started a family. From 1951 to 1953, Curt served in the US Army at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. In 1959, the family moved to Sacramento where Curt began a successful 32 year career as an aerospace engineer for Aerojet in Rancho Cordova.

Family and faith were of primary importance in Curt's life. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved to spend time with his family for dinners, holidays and birthdays. He enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren at their many childhood sporting events.

As a member of Atonement Lutheran Church for many years, Curt served on the church council, sang in the choir and devoted countless hours in support of the church. He mowed the church lawn, organized church activities, ran charity drives, and happily did anything else he could to help his church and its congregation.

Outside of church, Curt’s interests included RV camping, fishing, hunting, world travel, gardening and golf. A lifelong sports fan, Curt enjoyed watching the SF Giants, the SF 49ers and the Sacramento Kings games. He loved attending the Heimlich family reunions, driving his giant motorhome. He had many friends and was always quick to greet them with a big, wide smile.

Curt and Jan raised four children who survive him; Susan Sweeney (Dennis), David Heimlich (Patti), Mark Heimlich and Karen Richards (Jeff). His grandchildren include Traci Feaster (Matt), Valerie Stewart (Ryan), Kelly Munroe (Chris), Brian Richards (Tyler), Derek Richards, as well as nine great grandchildren. He loved them all dearly.

Many years ago, Curt wrote the story of his life for one of his grandchildren's school projects. He ended the story with “What a life!” And what a life it was. A life well lived, a long productive life filled with family, faith, and love. Curt was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be missed.

On September 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. a celebration of Curt’s life will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9242 Kiefer Blvd, Sacramento. A reception will follow at Golden Pond Retirement Community, 3415 Mayhew Rd, Sacramento. Curt's and Jan’s ashes will be interred together at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.