Gil A. "Gib" Heitka's Obituary
Gil A. "Gib" Heitka, age 72, of Mattoon, IL (formerly of Oconomowoc, WI) passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at 1:46 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born May 26, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of William Robbins and Carla Elizabeth (Wilde) Heitka. On March 28, 1998 he married Barbara Sharp in Bethany, IL.
Survivors include his wife of twenty-five years, Barbara Heitka of Mattoon, IL; son, Roger Heitka of Janesville, WI; daughter, Lisa Burton of Rantoul, IL; grandchildren, Molly Comeau of Terre Haute, IN, Charlee Martin of Rantoul, IL, Jamie Burton of Rantoul, IL, Leah Burton of Rantoul, IL, and William Heitka of Janesville, WI; sisters, Ellie Garity (Jim) and Sandy Amrhein, both of Atlanta, GA; nephew, Jim Bettridge (Kris) of Austin, TX; and nieces, Heather Brooks (John) of Lilburn, GA, Elizabeth Giroir (Dean) of Atlanta, GA, and Tish Williams of Atlanta, GA; and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Taylor Heitka.
Gil attended Oconomowoc High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force where he served our country for almost twenty years as a student training advisor and law enforcement supervisor, receiving the Air Force commendation medal, Air Force achievement medal, good conduct medal, five national defense service medals, the Air Force overseas long tour ribbon, Air Force longevity service award ribbon, four outstanding unit awards, amongst years of training combat skills and trainings as a specialist in law enforcement.
Gil's greatest passion was motorcycles. He was employed at the University of Illinois where he worked with the Motorcycle Riding Program for many years, retiring in 2012. He was also a proud member of GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association), traveling countless miles on his bright yellow Gold Wing. Gil enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. He enjoyed spending time at Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes and recently Lake Shelbyville. Family was another priority for Gil. He loved spending time with his wife, his son, and his dogs, Bam Bam and Packer.
Services will be conducted on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the LifeSpan Center in Charleston, IL. Military Rites provided by the Charleston VFW will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Memorial Services to follow. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the LifeSpan Center, 11021 E. County Road 800 N., Charleston, IL 61920.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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