Ernest Ernie William Heitmuller Jr.

Ernest William Heitmuller, Jr., 62, of Gold Canyon passed away suddenly on March 12th, 2011. He was born in Valley Stream, NY on December 26th, 1948. He grew up in Valley Stream, and graduated from St. John's University. Ernie pursued a career in insurance claims, working in New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Finally tired of the long winters and snow, he relocated to Arizona with his wife Janet in 2002.

He embarked on a new career in Arizona, working for Maricopa County as Jury Systems Manager, a position he held until his death. Ernie loved the Arizona landscape and enjoyed the view of the Superstition Mountains along the hiking trails that surrounded them. Ernie liked football, rooting for his NY Jets along with the Arizona Cardinals. He enjoyed gardening and other projects around his home and yard. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janet, daughter Danielle of Los Angeles, and son Eric, of Chandler, AZ, along with his sister Susan Heitmuller, of Vernon, CT.

One of Ernie's favorite pastimes was to sit with his wife Janet and watch the Arizona sunset. Those who knew and loved him will remember him with each and every colorful sunset.

Services will be held at Mariposa Gardens,6747 East Broadway Rd, in Mesa, AZ. There will be an evening viewing on Friday, March 18th, from 6 to 8pm. The family will be receiving friends starting at 10:30am on Saturday, March 19th, with a celebration of Ernie's life to begin at 11. Donations may be made to the Heart Association of Arizona. As Ernie was an avid gardener, the family is creating a memorial garden and has requested native plants in lieu of flowers.

www.mariposagardens.com