Forrest Allen Heitman

Forrest has joined his precious love and best friend Mildred M. Heitman in Heaven. Mildred and Forrest married Nov. 16, 1946, and together shaped the consummate marriage for all ages, moving through this life as one and giving us all remarkable examples of unselfish love. Their marriage was infused with friendship, romance, unwavering commitment and fervent loyalty to each other and family. Together they raised three children whom they loved wholly and unconditionally; selflessly giving their all to them.

Mr. Heitman was a World War II Navy veteran and retired from Heitman Poultry Company located in East St. Louis, Ill., where he managed alongside with his siblings for over 60 years. He was a member of Christ Church and a prior longtime member of St. John United Church of Christ, both located in Fairview Heights, Ill. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 576 in O'Fallon, Ill., and was awarded Master Mason for 50 years of service and was also a member Ainad Shriners of East St. Louis, Ill.

Forrest was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred, nee Becherer, Heitman of 65 years. His parents, August Monroe and Ida M. Heitman; two brothers, Milton and Elroy Heitman; three sisters, Bernice Dozier, Grace Heitman, and his infant sister, Pauline; and darling great-granddaughter, BriLynn Lou Ellet.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Marilyn (Jerry) Walters of Waterloo, Ill., Jane Heitman of Fairview Heights Ill., and Debra (Jody) Ellet of Freeburg, Ill.; four very adored grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Swetitch of St. Charles Mo., Ryan Swetitch of Fairview Heights Ill., Lara (Nickolas) Klees and Derek (Nicole) Ellet, both of Freeburg Ill.; five adored great -grandchildren, Austin and Kyle Klees, Ryanna Bailey and Jackson and Jacob Swetitch; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to Christ Church or Heartland Hospice. Memories and expressions of condolences may be made at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday Dec. 28, 2014, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Funeral: A celebration of Forrest's life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill., with the Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.