Richard E. Heidemann

He was born on January 10, 1937 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Elmer and Dorothy Heidemann. He attended St. Nazianz Salvatorian Seminary in Kiel, WI and St. Mary's of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL before entering into a military career.

In 1956 Richard joined the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1983 at the rank of Chief Master Sargeant (E-9). While serving his country he received numerous awards to include: the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal just to name a few. During his career he was one of the first people assigned to the Air Commando Wing at Hurlbert AFB Fla when the unit was formed, He was a Viet Nam veteran and was also involved in many classified operations in overseas areas. He later became a member of the Pacific Air Force Inspection Team based at Hickman AFB Hi. (PACAF IG TEAM), his favorite assignment.

After retiring from the US Air Force, he attended the Philippine Christian University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Accounting. He taught at the American International School in The Hague, the Netherlands. He also worked as Assistant Manager at Sungnam Golf Course, South Korea.

Richard was an avid golfer garnering over 20 golf trophies during his lifetime. He was a member of U.S.G.A, the Federation of Senior Golfers, Philippines, and the Riveria Golf Club, among others. He was also a professional golf club maker.

Richard was married to Julia Callanta Heidemann on October 28, 1982. They spent 31 years side by side, traveling extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the Pacific during the latter's stint in the diplomatic service. Julia never left his side throughout his battle with cancer and cared for his every need.

He is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Heidemann and mother, Dorothy Schmidt Heidemann. Richard is survived by his wife, Julia Callanta Heidemann, Rosemary Simmons Heidemann, mother of his three children, son, Donald T. Heidemann and wife, Terrie Heidemann; son, David R. Heidemann and wife, Gina Benestante-Heidemann; and daughter, Diane Heidemann; stepson, Julius Edano and wife, Lily Edano; grandchildren, Trinity Melvin, Mara Heidemann, Kiel Melvin, Rachel Heidemann and Kristopher Edano; siblings Emmet Heidemann (and Corinne); Mary Schneider (and Richard); James Heidemann; Joseph Heidemann (and Lynn); John Heidemann (and Karen); Michael Heidemann (and Celeste); Donna Stieghorst (and Mike); along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Levy Funeral Directors, 4525 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77401. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard to The Wounded Warriors Project, P O Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or via email at www.WoundedWarriorsProject.org.

Richard’s final resting place will be at the Punch Bowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii at a date to be announced later.