Chris Heinkel
Alton |
Chris G. Heinkel, 96, passed away peacefully at 12:25 a.m. Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville, IL.
He was born in Dettingen/Ems, Germany on May 11, 1913, the son of the late Johannes and Christiane (Murr) Heinkel. He left with his parents and sister Hattie from Bramenhaufin, Germany on the ship Bremen and came through Ellis Island January 2, 1924. The family left by train that afternoon for Chicago and then on to Carlinville, IL to stay with his father's sister Pauline Eichen, their sponsor. He then became a United States citizen in 1937.
He married Pearl Louise Krueger, on May 15, 1937 in Alton by the Rev. O.W. Heggemeier. She survives.
He attended the Granite City Trade School to learn the machinist trade and worked at Owens Illinois Glass as a Tool & Die maker/machinist for 45 years retiring in 1978 and was respected by his fellow employees for his craftsmanship. He sold and repaired H O train sets for 30 years and had a large model train display in his basement that entertained his sons, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Photography was another interest and he became a Professional Wedding Photographer for 30 years. Many families and friends benefited from his woodworking talents by receiving his woodworking projects as gifts; he could be considered a master craftsman.
His wife Pearl, two sons John R. Heinkel of Alton, Paul E. Heinkel and his wife Susan (Gomer) of Aurora, IL, two grandchildren Sarah N. Heinkel of Aurora, IL, Eric T. Heinkel of Iowa City, Iowa and one sister Hattie I. O'Connor of Godfrey survive him. He was highly respected and loved by his nieces, nephews, great-nephews and nieces, great-great nieces and nephews for his generosity and talents. He was always willing to guide and help others with any project.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Tuesday September 15, 2009, at the Elias Kallal And Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton. Funeral Services will be Wednesday September 16, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jerry MeCaskey officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be directed to the Evangelical United Church of Christ Radio Fund in Godfrey.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
He was born in Dettingen/Ems, Germany on May 11, 1913, the son of the late Johannes and Christiane (Murr) Heinkel. He left with his parents and sister Hattie from Bramenhaufin, Germany on the ship Bremen and came through Ellis Island January 2, 1924. The family left by train that afternoon for Chicago and then on to Carlinville, IL to stay with his father's sister Pauline Eichen, their sponsor. He then became a United States citizen in 1937.
He married Pearl Louise Krueger, on May 15, 1937 in Alton by the Rev. O.W. Heggemeier. She survives.
He attended the Granite City Trade School to learn the machinist trade and worked at Owens Illinois Glass as a Tool & Die maker/machinist for 45 years retiring in 1978 and was respected by his fellow employees for his craftsmanship. He sold and repaired H O train sets for 30 years and had a large model train display in his basement that entertained his sons, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Photography was another interest and he became a Professional Wedding Photographer for 30 years. Many families and friends benefited from his woodworking talents by receiving his woodworking projects as gifts; he could be considered a master craftsman.
His wife Pearl, two sons John R. Heinkel of Alton, Paul E. Heinkel and his wife Susan (Gomer) of Aurora, IL, two grandchildren Sarah N. Heinkel of Aurora, IL, Eric T. Heinkel of Iowa City, Iowa and one sister Hattie I. O'Connor of Godfrey survive him. He was highly respected and loved by his nieces, nephews, great-nephews and nieces, great-great nieces and nephews for his generosity and talents. He was always willing to guide and help others with any project.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Tuesday September 15, 2009, at the Elias Kallal And Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton. Funeral Services will be Wednesday September 16, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jerry MeCaskey officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be directed to the Evangelical United Church of Christ Radio Fund in Godfrey.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
