William Eugene Heitzman

Bill was born on September 9, 1931 in Peoria, IL to the late William and Ella (Grafelman) Heitzman. He later married Jackie Heitzman in 1968. They were married until 1996, and remained best friends after their divorce.

He served in the United States Army as a CB and educated electricians in the military.

He was an electrician for several local Peoria electrical contractors throughout his career. He retired in 1993. He was a member of the local IBEW 34 for 73 years.

Bill was an originating member of the Peoria Ski Club, which subsequently started Steamboat Days. He was also a long time member of the German American Society. He loved skiing, flying his Comanche 6057P airplane, fishing, hunting, and traveling. Bill was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and loved his pet pugs. He was also of Lutheran faith.

Bill is survived by his ex-wife and friend, Jackie Heitzman; his step-daughter, Karmin (Gary) Stevens; his grandchildren, Kellie (Kirklan) Howell, Grant (Samantha Vazquez) Stevens, and Brooke (Tyler Baysingar) Stevens; his nieces and nephews, Sara (Ron) Harris, Curt Heitzman, Lori (Matt) Hipes, Robin (Carl) Hocking, and Teresa Mahsem; his sister-in-law, Margaret "Peg" Heitzman; his brother-in-law, Joe Martin; and many extended family members.

He is preceded by his parents; and his brothers, Harold, Gerald, Robert, Richard, and Ronald.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Elmwood Township Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks memorial contributions be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or the German American Society.

Condolences and memories can be shared online at Woolsey-Wilton.com.