William E. “Bill” Heller, 99, of Keokuk, passed away at 11:33 AM Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital.
William was born June 23, 1923, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Walter G. and Besse (Powell) Heller. Bill graduated from Keokuk High School and in 1943 entered the United States Navy during World War II and served as a Radar Operator 3rd Class on the Battleship New Jersey. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1946. On August 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Doris Sorenson in Keokuk. She preceded him in death in 2013. In 1950 he began his career with the United States Postal Service retiring in 1980, after 30 years of service. Bill was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Keokuk, the Boy Scouts of America, the Sea Scouts and the Keokuk Elks Club. He was a beloved and well-known fixture in Keokuk for many years.
Bill is survived by his sons, Timothy E. Heller of Houston, Texas and Christopher W. (Roselle) Heller of Bucklin, Missouri; a daughter, Susan (Jim) Heller-Ligman of Dunlap, Tennessee; four grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son and a granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, October 7, 2022, at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk. Military honors will be rendered at the funeral home by the American Legion Post #41 and the United States Navy. The service will be live-streamed at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com. Burial at a later date will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.
Memorials may be directed to the Sorenson Heller Music Award or the Boy Scouts Troop #43.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.
