William Heichel

William E. Heichel, 82, of Mansfield, died early Wednesday morning, February 25, 2004, at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital after a short illness. He was born January 5, 1922, in Mansfield to William O. and Pauline King Heichel. William was a 1940 graduate of Madison High School, was employed at Mechanics Savings Bank until June 2003, was a former realtor and served with the Mansfield Board of Realtors. He is a member of First Christian Church, was an avid reader and stamp collector, and enjoyed working jigsaw and crossword puzzles. He is a member of American Legion Post #16. He was a former Cub Scout leader, Little League coach, soccer coach and was the #1 fan for any sport in which his boys were involved. William was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, credited with 44 missions in the European Theater, where he was a waist gunner and radio operator on a B-26 Martin Marauder. He authored a book of his experiences entitled 'Milk Run: A Gunner's Tale', soon to be published.

He will be sorely missed by his wife of 33 years, Diana Whitinger Heichel; five sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Trish Heichel of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Tom and Chris Heichel of Ontario, Tyler Heichel of Columbus, Michael Heichel of Ravenna, and Ryan and Sue Heichel of Cincinnati; two sisters, Dorothy Ball and Donna Heichel of Mansfield; step-sister, Judy and Dan Mayer of Mansfield; grandchildren and their spouses, Jeff and Chris Heichel, Ken and Molly Heichel, Jenny and John Knackstedt, Rob Withrow, Eric and Connie Withrow and Adam Withrow; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three infant sons, Richard Alan in 1946 and twins, Brian William and Bradley Duane in 1973 and a brother, Robert Heichel in 2003.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Friday, February 27 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Timothy Storms, will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Military graveside services will be held at Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.