Bill was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Versailles where he served on the Church Council, Past Master of the Versailles Masonic Lodge #290, Free and Accepted Masons and a 32nd Degree Mason, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton; and Versailles Lions Club. Bill really enjoyed doing outdoor work, hunting, fishing, and helping others any way he could. He was a 1944 graduate of Versailles High School.
Following high school he worked for General Motors for 3 years, followed by construction work for 3 years. He was then employed by Ernest Gravel, Co. in Piqua and Houston, Ohio, where he was a crane operator and part owner and was vice president when he left the company in 1973. After that he worked as the Maintenance Foreman for the City of Piqua retiring in 1987.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers, Ferd Heft and John Heft; sisters, Mary Sherry and Jane Blake Marchal; daughter in law, Carol Heft.
He is survived by his wife Esther (Kruckeberg) Heft of Versailles, Ohio, whom he married on August 6, 1950; sons and daughter in law Bruce Heft of Ansonia, Ohio, and Mark & Mary Heft of Versailles, Ohio; daughter and son in law, Kathie & Rex Abke of Troy, Ohio; 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; brother, Richard Heft of Greenville, Ohio; as well as numerous brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces and nephews.
There will be a service held on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio, with Pastor Pentti Maki officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Versailles, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12, 2011 from 2-4 PM at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic Memorial Service conducted by the Versailles Masonic Lodge on Sunday at 3:45 PM at the funeral home followed by a Scottish Rite Ring Service.
It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Versailles, Ohio. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com
