Heike Kingery Obituary

Heike Kingery, 83, of Hernando, FL passed away May 8, 2025 in the home of her daughter in Elk Grove Village, IL. She is survived by her daughter Heidi, grandson Adam, sisters Ines Meirisch and Gundela (Ulf) Bader, sister-in-law Nancy Anderson, and eight beloved nephews and their families in the US and Germany. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 55 years William (Bill), son John,and parents Rosemary and Otto Klingner.

Born in Holzdorf, Germany at the height of WWII, Heike spent her early years in a small village raised by her midwife mother and a network of family and friends. Her father, a prisoner of war, did not return for many years to the then Russian occupied part of Germany. Just prior to the construction of the Berlin Wall, Heike, at age 16, left her hometown and, knowing no English but with US sponsorship and stealth, immigrated to the United States to her Aunt Helen and Uncle Fritz in Hammond, IN.

After a short stint as a Delta Flight Attendant, Heike wed air traffic controller Bill Kingery. They were married for almost 55 years and enjoyed tennis, bridge, traveling, and raising their two children on three acres in Plano, IL. Heike was a homemaker, travel agent, caregiver to many, and later a doting grandmother.

She loved her home in Florida, her bridge groups, former tennis and golf groups, and her friends. She was the #1 cheerleader for her grandson's sports, and enjoyed reading, Sudoku, Wordle, The Incredible Dr. Pol, BBQ ribs, and her pool! Generous and brave, Heike had the gift of contentment. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

Per her wishes, there will be no formal services. Plans are being made for a family strewing of the combined ashes of Heike, Bill, and their son sometime this summer.