Nolan "Pete" Heitzman

Born September 10, 1932 in Peoria County to Benjamin C. and Leah E. (Enfield) Heitzman, he married Nancy Marlene Conway on September 15, 1957 in Pekin. Together they enjoyed more than 65 years of Christian marriage. Nancy died on March 27, 2023 in Pekin.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter-in-law, Patti Heitzman and one sister, Patricia Ann Stauthammer.

Surviving are two sons, Brad (Denise) Heitzman of Rice Lake, Wisconsin and Ed (Val) Heitzman of Clinton, Washington; five grandchildren, Shaun (Amanda) Heitzman of Clinton, Washington, Megan (Cody) Coile of Manito, Whitney (Jeff Markette) Heitzman of Hamilton, Montana, Leah (Derrick) Osborn of Green Valley and Kris Lindsey of Jacksonville, Florida; seven great-grandchildren, Maci Coile, Connor Coile, Claire Osborn, Henry Heitzman, Lorelei Heitzman, Hazel Osborn and Lane Osborn and many nieces and nephews.

Pete was a proud Army veteran of the Korean War, having attained the rank of sergeant. Following his military service, Pete dedicated 43 years to Central Telephone Company in Pekin, where he retired as a supervisor in 1993.

His life was filled with diverse interests and passions. He cherished spending time with his family and enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, doing yard work, traveling, and restoring tractors. He was a 68-year member of First Christian Church in Pekin and found joy in participating in church work.

Pete was also actively involved in his community as a former member of Pekin Elks Lodge 1271, Pekin Moose Lodge 916, and the William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026 at First Christian Church in Pekin. Pastor Mark Foglio will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Inurnment will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com