William Otto Heintz

          William Otto Heintz, age 85, of Peotone, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at his home on Poplar Grove Farm in Peotone.

     He was born on May 9, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of the late William Rudolph Heintz and Sarah (Donanian) Heintz. He was a graduate of Central Bucks High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and attended Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia, majoring in business and was a First Lieutenant in the Core Cadets. He married the late Susan June (Campbell) Heintz on June 23, 1962, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Bill was a veteran of the US Army. He served as a captain during the Vietnam War in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse Regiment). 

     He was highly regarded in the corrugated box industry working in business management for Container Corporation of America and Ideal Box Company. He retired for the second time as Chief Operating Officer at Dong Fang America/Haire Group. He also served as president of the TAPPI Organization. 

     Bill loved the land, and having been raised on a farm, loved being part of the farming community in Peotone. He was happiest there surrounded by family, friends, and his devoted dog. His interests included antique vehicles, woodworking, trains, and tractor shows. He volunteered at the Manteno Veterans Home and was a member of the Peotone American Legion Post 392. Bill was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ where he served as a trustee. 

     Bill cared deeply for others and despite his physical limitations in his later years, continued to connect with friends and family, forming deep friendships with those he knew. His circle was wide, and he will be missed for his wisdom, humor and kindness toward all. He was an incredibly resilient man, but in sincere humility, found strength in his deep faith in God. 

     He is survived by his children, Belinda Heintz Ruckman and her husband John of Peotone, William Stuart Heintz of Peotone, Jonathan Bruce Heintz of Columbia, Missouri and Jane  Heintz of Peotone; 9 grandchildren, Hannah Ruckman (Aaron) Ullrich, Rebecca Heintz (Ivan) DelReal, John W. Ruckman (Kaitlyn), Cecily Karrels (Kaleb) Mitchell, Sarah Heintz, Rachel Heintz, Isabella Heintz, Lily Ruckman (Adam Becker)r), Kristen Heintz; 5 great-grandchildren Wade and Araxie Ullrich, Rosella DelReal, Wrenly and Bristol Ruckman; a brother-in-law Bruce Campbell (Marilyn) of Killingworth, Connecticut; devoted partner Carolyn McKean; friend and caregiver Mitzi Johnson.

     A visitation will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  Peotone American Legion Post 392 services and a memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Nancy Wheeler officiating.  Due to the ongoing road construction, Main Street will be closed to traffic.  The sidewalks in front of the funeral home will be open and access may be made through the front door.  Additional parking will be available in the parking lot of Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Ave., Peotone, IL.  Entrance then can be made through the back door of the funeral home.

      Military honors by the United States Army and graveside funeral services will be held at Peotone Cemetery, 6825 W. Corning Rd, Peotone, IL 60468, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Terry Krouskoupf officiating.  

     Memorials to the Manteno Veterans Home, Peotone American Legion Post 392, or Immanuel United Church of Christ would be appreciated.

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