Pearl Heinkel

Pearl Louise Heinkel, 101, received eternal rest at 5:00 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton.She was born  December 26, 1912 in Carlinville, IL, the daughter of the lateRichard and Lena (Burleson) Krueger. Pearl grew up in the coutry with her parents and six brothers (Earl, Charlie, LeRoy, Alfred, Dick, and Elmer; all of whom preceded her in death).Pearl married Christian Heinkel on May 15, 1937 In Alton. They were married 72 years.  He preceded her in death on September 13, 2009.As an adult, Pearl enjoyed spending time with her children, traveling, cooking, and creating ceramics. Pearl worked out of the home and took great pride in being a mother. She was a long time member of Evangelical United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday school for many years. In her retirement years, Pearl continued to travel and enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren.In the later years of her life, Pearl also enjoyed taking country drives, feeding and watching birds, and listening to the church service each Sunday on the radio. Pearl celebrated her 100^th birthday with an intimate gathering of family and friends in her home. The Alton Telegraph interviewed Pearl for her 100^th birthday in December of 2012. The article appeared in the paper on Christmas day. When asked about her secret to longevity, Pearl stated that it was simply “what the Good Lord planned”. In closing, she stated that, “when He is ready, He will call you home”.She is survived by two sons; John Richard Heinkel of Alton and Paul Edwin and his spouse Sue Heinkel of Aurora, Il, two grandchildren Sara Nicole Heinkel of Aurora and Eric Thomas Heinkel of Iowa City, IA, and many friends.Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm, Friday, May 2, 2014 at the Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.Funeral Services will be at 10 am Saturday, May 3, 2014 with the Rev. Jerry McCaskey officiating.Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, ILMemorials may be directed to Evangelical United Church of Christ.

Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton are in charge of arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home