Heitlinger

Louis John Heitlinger, 92, of Willoughby, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Willoughby, Ohio. His heart had worked as long and as hard as it could. He was born on Sept. 25, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Lambert and Elizabeth Heitlinger.

Lou grew up in Kansas City, Mo., with his brother, Tommy, and two cousins, Mary and Martha Gumminger. Lou served in the Navy and completed two world tours during the Korean conflict. After the Navy, he attended the University of Kansas obtaining both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in electrical engineering.

In the mid ’60s, Lou relocated to Washington, D.C., where he met Shirley Callihan through the Georgetown Catholic Club. They were married in June 1966. They eventually settled in Waukesha, Wis. and raised their family, Anne, John and Karen. In Wisconsin, Lou continued to build on his career in medical technology with General Electric Medical Systems. He ultimately completed 26 years of service with GE.

After retirement, Lou and Shirley moved to Butler, to be near Shirley’s family. They enjoyed traveling and provided great support to their children. After Shirley’s death in 2005, Lou moved to Stow, Ohio, where he specialized in family house projects and ice cream tasting. In recent years, he resided at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village in Willoughby. The family greatly appreciates all the support he received from the Ohio Living staff as he moved through different levels of care on the Breckenridge Village campus.

He is survived by his children, Anne (Nicholas Franco), John (Meg) and Karen (Mauro Coletta); and his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kate and Max. The family carries on his love of all baked goods each time they are together or travel to new places.

He was proceeded in death by wife, Shirley; brother, Tommy; and parents, Lambert and Elizabeth.

HEITLINGER — There will be a celebration of life ice cream social for Louis John Heitlinger, who died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell’s Ice Cream Ohio City, 1867 W. 25th St., Cleveland, Ohio. Street parking and paid lots are available nearby.

There will be a visitation at 9 a.m. and a funeral mass at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Mater Dolorosa Church, 409 N. Main St., Chicora. Immediately following, Lou will be interred at Hemphill Cemetery in Chicora, next to Shirley. Luncheon will follow at the church.

Arrangements are entrusted to DEJOHN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

For more information, please visit www.dejohnfuneral.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.