Ernest (Ernie) Edward Heuer, Jr.

ERNEST (ERNIE)EDWARD HEUER, JR. was born on January 10, 1938 in Albany, New York, the son of Reverend Ernest E. and Elsie F. Heuer, Sr.nbsp; He died unexpectedly on February 4, 2007. nbsp; Ernie grew up in Lockport, New York.nbsp; He graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1959.nbsp; After graduation he was hired by Northern Illinois Gas Company, and started his 35 year career after finishing active military duty. Ernie served in the United States Army, active duty and reserves, from 1961-1967.nbsp; He earned a Masters of Business degree from Northern Illinois University in 1971.nbsp; He retired from NiGas in 1994. nbsp; On August 25, 1963 , he married Arlis J. Luckow at Immanuel Church in Valparaiso, Indiana with his fathernbsp; officiating. nbsp; Ernie was a regular worshiper and communing member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. nbsp; Ernie served for 21 years on the Winnebago County Board.nbsp; He was the chairperson of the Finance, Public Works and Forest Preserve Committees. He had great interest in the environment, flora and fauna. nbsp; An avid gardener and train hobbyist, Ernie was a member of the Chicagoland Garden Railroad and Chairperson of the National Garden Railroad Convention in Chicago, IL. in 1999 and 2005.nbsp; He and Arlis shared their love of gardening and trains nbsp;by opening their train gardens to all. nbsp; On June 1, 2002 he married Patricia M. Baeb at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, WI. nbsp; Ernie had many passions and hobbies.nbsp; He spent time volunteering for many causes and organizations: Pecatonica Prairie Path Commission, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Kids Around the World, State Street Clean Up Committee, McDonalds Coffee Club and Wyndemir Village Homeowners Association.nbsp; He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubsnbsp; fan.nbsp; He loved a good bargain. nbsp; Survivors include his wife, Patricia; three daughters, Karla Heuer, Karyn (Jeff) Davis and Kathryn (James) Catalano; a precious grandson, Troy; sisters, Elfrieda and Rev. Paul Malte of Walnut Creek, CA., Elaine and Fred Behnke of Riverdale, IL., Ellen and George Toto of Reno, NV. and Eloise and Ron Ramsey of Lafayette, CO.; many nieces and nephews and countless family friends.nbsp; Both of his parents preceded him in death.nbsp; His wife Arlis passed away on January 21, 2000. nbsp; Dad, thank for taking us on roller coasters and water rides, for letting Mom teach us how to drive, for teaching us to appreciate the United States while on our family vacations, for Rubbermaid Christmas stockings and college toolboxes, for teaching us how to beat you in Acquire and Rage, for showing us tomato worms and potato bugs and the North American Wren, for teaching us to be safe, and the values of working hard, working together and helping others.nbsp; Love, the three Ks. nbsp; Grandpa, thanks for taking me and my friends to Magic Waters everynbsp; summer, for showing me how to mulch flower beds and deal with chipmunks, for taking me to construction sites, recycling centers and train conventions, for being at my basketball and football games and for loving me all along. Troy.. nbsp; Funeral service at 11A.M., Saturday, February 10, 2007 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Alpine, with Rev.nbsp; Ken Krause officiating.nbsp; Private burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery.nbsp; Visitation from 4-8P.M. Friday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from 10A.M. until time of the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to causes and organizations that Ernie appreciated.nbsp; The memorials may be sent c/o Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory.nbsp; Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.nbsp;nbsp;