Gene George Heibel, age 88 of Grand Rapids, formerly of Dorr, died Monday Feb. 18.
Gene grew up on a farm in Dorr and moved to Grand Rapids with his family and he attended Catholic Central High School, was a member of the football team and upon graduation enlisted in the US Army. He was a decorated Korean War Veteran who saw extensive battle.
After returning stateside, he married Jackie and worked at American Seating for more than 40 years until he retired. An avid hunter and fisherman, Gene could often be found in the Grand River or the Manistee National Forest. He was a charter member and president of West Walker Sportsman Club.
Surviving are his children Mark (Andrea) Heibel, Michael (Maryann) Heibel, Linda Heibel, and Joseph (Michele) Heibel; six grandchildren Scott (Lauren) Heibel, Richard (Takamitsu) Heibel-Yanase, Megan Heibel (Albert Bortak), Daniel Heibel, Rachel Heibel, and Eleanor Heibel; siblings Robert Heibel, Donald (Linda) Heibel, Larry (Joy) Heibel, Terrie Heibel, Madeline Heibel, and Thomas (Cath) Heibel; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jackie, his parents Eleanor (Fifelski) Heibel, Roman and Lucille (Schwartz) Heibel, and his sister Dorothy Heibel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 23, at St. Anthony of Padua Church where he will repose one hour prior to Mass. His family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday Feb. 22, at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7:30.
Memorial donations to Grand Rapids Home for Veterans will be appreciated.
