William T. Heil

William T. Heil, Jr. of Petoskey passed away February 12, 2018 following a brief battle with cancer.  He was born on June 11, 1934 in New York City to the Rev. Dr. William T. and Elizabeth (Lauenroth) Heil.  He graduated with a BA from Wagner College in Staten Island and obtained a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.  As an ordained Lutheran pastor, he served congregations in New York, Connecticut, and Michigan during his 35-year career.

In 1957, Bill married Kathleen Ellen Gibbons of New York City.  They divorced in 1982.  He married Judith Ann Parsons in 1983, who survives.  Bill and Judy retired in 1997, moving from the Detroit area to Petoskey to enjoy their golden years RVing, singing in the church choir, and living the Gospel.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter Christina (Dennis) Bush of Nashville, MI; his brother Henry (Ruth) Heil of Greenville, PA; and many family and friends.  He was pre-deceased by his son James Heil (Holland, MI); his sister Elizabeth Frutiger (Beverly, MA); his niece Pamela Heil (Greenville, PA), and his niece Beth Mee (Yale, MI).

The family will receive visitors at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1020 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, 6-8 PM Friday, February 16, and 10-11 AM Saturday, February 17.  The celebration of life, with Holy Communion, will start at 11 AM Saturday and be followed by a luncheon.  Memorials can be directed to the Emmanuel Episcopal Music Fund.

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