Born January 24, 1942 in Cuba, Illinois to Lyle and Bertha (Nelson) Heller; he married Shirley Knight on March 18, 1978 in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Chris (John) Magner, Jeff Heller, Kelly (Rob) McBride, Todd Cowen, Greg (Jennifer) Cowen and Craig (Lisa Lambert) Heller; grandchildren, Shawna (Josh), Mickie (Scott), Joey, Jacob, Tyler, Tanner, Wes and Sami; great grandchildren, Katlynn, Jaelyn, Julie, Garrison and Giavanna; sisters, Donna (Carroll) Wetterauer and Carolyn Neal; and a host of treasured friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Billy Neal.
Gene was a lifelong electrician, beginning with his service in the US Navy 1960-64.
He was a member of the IBEW Local #34 and was the owner of Heller Electric until 1970 when he went to work for Meister Electric until his retirement in 2000. Gene was the very first electrician they hired. He then stayed active by opening Neon Creations in Bartonville and also served as the Electrical Inspector for the Village of Bartonville for several years.
Gene was a lifelong outdoorsman and loved mushroom hunting, fishing and pursuing game of all varieties.
He and Shirley enjoyed pleasure boating and were past members of the Detweiller Boat Club. Gene also loved going fast and he raced Drag Boats in the American Drag Boat Association where he held several World Records in the 1980’s. One world record still stands.
Gene was a big St. Louis Cardinals fan.
He was also a member of Bartonville American Legion Post #979, the NHRA and the Early Ford V-8 Club.
Gene loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren.
Cremation has been accorded.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery Columbarium on Smithville Rd in Bartonville followed by a celebration at the Bartonville American Legion. All car club friends are welcome to drive their classic cars, Gene would love it.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel in Bartonville.
Memorials are suggested to IL Cancer Care in Peoria.
Condolences and memories may be shared through www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com
