Eric Heitman

Eric C. Heitman, 92 of Bellaire, died peacefully on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

He was born January 4, 1925 in Ionia the son of Erich and Elsie (Remus) Heitman.  After high school graduation Eric enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew 35 WWII B-17 combat missions serving as navigator.   He went on to graduate from Western Michigan University receiving his business degree.

Eric married the love of his life, Helen Gover on August 27, 1949 and joined his father in-law Noel David Gover and brother in-law Robert Gover in the ownership and operation of Gover City, in Mt. Pleasant. In 1967 he sold his share in Gover City, and went to work for Thayer Dairy in Clare, as the office manager and bookkeeper.

Helen and Eric raised their family of boys, with Eric volunteering in many of the activities in which the boys participated.  Eric was an active Boy Scout volunteer and was very involved in all aspects of youth sports in Mt. Pleasant.  Eric loved the sport of baseball, playing through his high school years.  He was an avid Detroit Tigers Baseball fan.

Drawn to the Bellaire area by the longtime residency of his parents, Eric and Helen moved there permanently in 1994.  Helen became active in the community and Eric was always there to support her.  They were members of the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church.  In his spare time Eric enjoyed playing golf.

Preceding him in death are his parents Erich and Elsie, his wife Helen, his sons John and Stephen Heitman, and brother William Heitman.

Left to cherish his memories are his children William (Janice) Heitman of Plymouth Twp., Robert (Jeannine) Heitman of Oakhurst, CA, Scott Heitman of Grand Blanc, daughter in-law Patricia Heitman of Mt. Pleasant, grandchildren Katie, Eric, Jennifer, Travis, Michael, Patrick, and great grandson Tristan.  Private family interment will take place in Balcom Cemetery, Ionia.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Bellaire Public Library, PO BOX 477, Bellaire, MI, 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.