Joseph Leroy Heil Sr.

03/13/1947 - 12/20/2024

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Obituary For Joseph Leroy Heil Sr.

Joseph “Joe” L. Heil Sr, 77, of Eau Claire passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona.

Joe was born on March 13, 1947, to Leroy and Agnes (Writz) Heil in Wausau, Wisconsin. He graduated in 1965 from Marathon High School. After high school, Joe joined the United States Navy. He served from 1965 to 1969. From 1966 to 1967 he served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. He married Gladys Lang on June 22, 1968, in Marathon. Together they had three sons.

Joe was on the Board of Directors for the Eau Claire Veterans Tribute Foundation. He was a member of MOPH Chapter 550, DAV Chapter 21, VFW Post 7232, American Legion Post 53, Mike Voth VVA Chapter 5, First Wisconsin Muskies Inc., and the St. Olaf’s Men’s Club.

Joe is survived by his wife, Gladys Heil of Eau Claire; three sons, Joseph Anton (Christy) Heil of Savage, MN, David Alan (Lisa) Heil of Rosemont, MN, and Christopher James (Jamie) Heil of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren, David Burch Heil, Andrew Heil, Rachel Heil, Kira Heil, Tayla Heil, and Benjamin Heil; great-grandson, Lucenzo “Enzo” Heil; sisters, Roseanne (Gene) Jacob, Marie Kiczula, Janet (Tom) Sabaduquia, and Marge (Keith) Ziegel; brother, Ralph Heil; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 12:00 pm at St. Olaf Catholic Church, in Eau Claire. A visitation will be held two hours prior at the church. Military honors will be performed following the service by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7232 at the church. Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.

Services

4 Jan

Visitation

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Olaf Catholic Church 3220 Monroe Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 Get Directions »
4 Jan

Funeral Service

12:00 PM

St. Olaf Catholic Church 3220 Monroe Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 Get Directions »
6 Jan

Burial

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 54450 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 01/04/2025

    Joseph and Anna Straub

    Condolences to Gladys and all the family members of Joe, from his 1965 Marathon HS classmates! Joe was always a friendly and cheerful addition to our class and will be missed by all! My connection to Joe was enhanced by the fact that we shared the March 13, 1947 birthday! May he inspire us all to live a loving, peaceful life!! Joe and Anna Straub

  • 01/04/2025

    Marty & Mary Jane Green and Dan LaFaive

    We just heard about Joe's passing today. That's why we weren't at the funeral. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Gladys and the entire family. Hugs and prayers to all of you. Marty & Mary Jane Green and Dan LaFaive

  • 01/02/2025

    Patricia Lepak

    So very sorry for your loss! 🙏🙏🙏

  • 12/30/2024

    Leanne Rogge

    Gladys, I'm so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Leanne Rogge

  • 12/29/2024

    Ralph M. Palmer

    With deepest sympathy may I extend shared heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family, friends and all who knew Mr. Joe Heil... A man who gave and gave to others. Joe was a White Knight in shining armor if ever there was... Slow Salute.

  • 12/28/2024

    Jim Kernan

    Joe was one of my favorite and best customers at Zacho Sports. He gave me his trust and believed in my ability to set him up with the best electronics available multiple times. People like him are rare and wonderful. I truly miss his laugh, phone calls and his presence. I'm happy to have been blessed to be his friend.

  • 12/28/2024

    Michael Wick

    Sorry to hear for the loss. I never met Joe senior but I had Joe junior in class at UW Eau Claire.

  • 12/28/2024

    Dan Klein

    So sorry for the loss of Joe. Please know that our prayers are with you all

  • 12/27/2024

    Jon Hehli

    I am very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He always had a kind word for me at every St Olafs fish fry. He was a "good one!" My condolences to the family. Jon Hehli

  • 12/26/2024

    Chaplain Don Hildebrandt

    We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.. Your friends at American Legion Post 10

  • 12/25/2024

    Bonnie Ackley

    Sympathy to family and friends. Veterans of the area have lost a true hero, he was such an advocate for all who served our country.

Tributes

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Christopher Haffner sent Beautiful Dreams for Joseph Leroy Heil Sr. - 01/02/2025

    David, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your Father rest in peace. Chris, Carl, Hoang and team.

  • Sacred Duty Spray

    GEORGE F. BANDA sent Sacred Duty Spray for Joseph Leroy Heil Sr. - 12/30/2024

    Joe will truly be missed. He was highly respected and admired. George Banda-Commander Milwaukee Chapter 818 Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA.

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