William D. Heller

Bill grew up on a farm out-side of Davenport, Nebraska. He graduated from Davenport High School and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in math and physics. Bill met the love of his life, Shirley, at a college fraternity dance. They married on August 28, 1949, and were married for 58 years. Shirley passed away in 2008. They had two children, Marilee and Bill Jr.

Bill began his teaching career in Shickley, NE where he and Shirley lived for 3 years. After moving to Henrietta, OK, Bill taught and worked on a Master’s degree in Counseling. In 1957 they moved to Security, CO where Bill continued his teaching and counseling career in School District 11. He also began a custom woodworking business, and in 1972 retired from teaching to devote his time and unique talents to managing Heller’s Interiors. The business continued to thrive until Bill and Shirley sold it in 2005. During that time they also opened Eagles Roost Gallery, a southwest art gallery.

Bill and Shirley enjoyed and shared a love of traveling and collecting southwestern art. Bill loved books and created a large collection of rocks and minerals. He always had a passion for learning, and especially loved Colorado railroad history and geology. Bill loved to tell wonderful stories and we will miss hearing them. Bill and Shirley’s home was always the gathering place for fun and joyous times for their devoted family and many loving friends. Bill especially loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his daughter Marilee Denton of Woodland Park (Steven); William II (BJ) Heller of Pagosa Springs, (Cindy); grandchildren Justin (Teresa), Jared (Liz), Natali (Scott), Tyndall, and Jess; his great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Ashlynd, Kenna, Jaiden, Brynn and Jaxson; a sister, Rosella Beavers, of Fort Collins, CO; and many other family and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Myrtle and Tyndall, a sister Edie Marr, and a brother Jerry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, 2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80915; www.careandshare.org