William Don Heller

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Nebraska Wesleyan University

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Colorado Springs, Colorado

William Heller Obituary

William (Bill) Don Heller Sr., 83, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away November 1, 2012, in Colorado Springs surrounded by family. He was born in Hastings, Nebraska on May 15, 1929, to the late Myrtle and Tyndall Heller. Bill grew up on a farm outside of Davenport, Nebraska. He graduated from Davenport High School and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in math and physics. Bill met the love of his life, Shirley, at a college fraternity dance. They married on August 28, 1949, and were married for 58 years. Shirley passed away in 2008. They had two children, Marilee and Bill Jr. Bill began his teaching career in Shickley, NE where he and Shirley lived for 3 years. After moving to Henrietta, OK, Bill taught and worked on a Master's degree in Counseling. In 1957 they moved to Security, CO where Bill continued his teaching and counseling career in School District 11. He also began a custom woodworking business, and in 1972 retired from teaching to devote his time and unique talents to managing Heller's Interiors. The business continued to thrive until Bill and Shirley sold it in 2005. During that time they also opened Eagles Roost Gallery, a southwest art gallery. Bill and Shirley enjoyed and shared a love of traveling and collecting southwestern art. Bill loved books and created a large collection of rocks and minerals. He always had a passion for learning, and especially loved Colorado railroad history and geology. Bill loved to tell wonderful stories and we will miss hearing them. Bill and Shirley's home was always the gathering place for fun and joyous times for their devoted family and many loving friends. Bill especially loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill is survived by his daughter Marilee Denton of Woodland Park (Steven); William II (BJ) Heller of Pagosa Springs, (Cindy); grandchildren Justin (Teresa), Jared (Liz), Natali (Scott), Tyndall, and Jess; his great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Ashlynd, Kenna, Jaiden, Brynn and Jaxson; a sister, Rosella Beavers, of Fort Collins, CO; and many other family and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Myrtle and Tyndall, a sister Edie Marr, and a brother Jerry. A Memorial Service followed by a luncheon/reception will be held on Wednesday, November 7, at 11 a.m. in the Skyline Room at the Village at Skyline, 2365 Patriot Heights Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, 2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80915; careandshare.org

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Published by The Gazette on Nov. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Heller

9 Entries

Gus Mundt

December 15, 2022

My favorite teacher of all time, the lake of liquid gold, shocking the entire class at once with his hand crank generator, what a guy. Gus Mundt

debra callan

November 20, 2013

I worked for Bill at eagles roost,He was always like a Father to me, I loved him very much.BJ and Marilee I send you all my love.

Carl & Suzie Williams

November 16, 2012

My wife and I used to stop into "Heller's Interiors" to visit with Bill, Shirley, and BJ. Over the years we purchased many unique items that still fill our home. After the shop closed, we kept in touch with Bill and Shirley for a short while until work and life pulled us further and further away. Over the past couple of weeks, however, I felt a need to check on Bill so tonight I searched online and, sadly, found this news of his passing. We will never, ever forget Bill's kindness and great stories. We are reminded of him every day as we walk through our house and smile with each thought. Our prayers are with all of the Bill's family.

November 10, 2012

Marilee and BJ, our condolences to you. Your parents were amazing people and we were priviledged (sp) to know them - and to be related to them as well. Lyle & Lois Eyl, Aurora, CO

Sue Christiansen-Stubenrauch

November 8, 2012

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Heller's passing. He was my science teacher at SJHS in the early 60's. Although I hated science with a passion, I loved him so much and he really was one of those very few teachers who had a passion to bring the subject to life. I will never forget his "peanut gallery" or his little humorous additions to his slide shows. He knew laughter was such an important part of the education of an adolescent. I have never forgotten him in all these years and I consider that a real tribute to a wonderful man. My condolences to your family.

Nancy Doenges Daigle

November 7, 2012

Mr. Heller was my Earth Science teacher at South Junior way back in the early 60s. I loved his class. He was funny and made the class so interesting. My sympathies to his family.

Michelle Cupps

November 5, 2012

We will all miss him so much! Our hearts & prayers are will the whole family as we reflect on all of the great memories we have of Uncle Bill!!!

Carin Hogan

November 4, 2012

Marilee,Steven,Bill and Cindy,
I was deeply saddened at the news that your Dad has passed away. My first memories of him are from about 1961, I was 4 years old and my parents had hired him to convert the garage into a rec room in our house in Security. I will always remember how talented he was in his carpentry work. I have fond memories of your Dad and Mom through out the years. Now they will have eternity together. Take care.

B. Kee

November 4, 2012

I remember Mr. Heller from South Junior during the early 70's. Though I was never in his class, everyone knew him. His jovial disposition made him very popular with all of the students.
May he rest in peace.

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