William Heitmanek

He was an avid musician and was once called a guitar virtuoso and had a beautiful singing voice. He shared his love of making music with his sons Sam, whom he taught guitar, and Eli who learned to love the Beatles playing classics along with him on his clarinet. He was also a coach for his sons’ baseball teams when they were younger.

He loved playing golf with his father Ernie and brother John, and then taught his sons how to play and love the game too. Bill and John would also be found at baseball card conventions as they loved the sport and everything about it. In 1969 he met Joan at one of his band’s practices and soon after fell in love with her. They were married for 55 years.

On October 16, Bill died in his sleep peacefully after a three year battle with ALS. He was a spiritual man who loved nature, whether he was swimming in the Pacific Ocean or walking in the woods with his family and dogs, Cindy and Rufus.

Bill is preceded in death by his father, Ernest; mother Evie (nee Baia) and brother John. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan (nee Anderson) and sons Eli and Sam, as well as his nieces Katelyn (Ross Howard) and Heather (Steve Funk), and nephews Michael and Robert.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oak Brook Terrace IL 60181. Interment Private.

Donations may be made at ALS Association, The ALS Association: Dedicated to Finding a Cure for ALS The ALS Association: Dedicated to Finding a Cure for ALS