Allen Eugene "Willie" Heisel, 90, of Burlington, died Friday, May 10, 2024, in Wever.
He was born on Dec. 5, 1933, in Glasgow, Iowa, the son of LeRoy Eugene and Mary Ethel Carter Heisel. He married Nancy Jean Workman, they later divorced. She precedes him in death.
He is survived by one son Kelly (Donna) Heisel of Cantril; three daughters: Susan (Jim) Hamburg of Cantril, Mary (Chuck) Huffman of Boone, and Cindy (Chad) LaRue of Ottumwa; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters: Bettye Davis of Wichita, Kan., Beverly Mason of Burlington, and Shirley Dorothy of Fairfield. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Allen was in the graduating class of 1954 from Stockport High School. In high school he played basketball and baseball. He acquired the nickname “Willie” after a major league baseball player Willie Mays. That nickname has followed him into adulthood and everyone knew him as Willie. He was of Methodist faith. He loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, gardening, caring for his chickens, Little Debbie Cakes, and the most delicious pies made by his sister Bev (who was his best friend and rock). Allen worked for the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for a short time. He was a farmer to the core raising cattle, chickens, peacocks, horses and farming crops. Often times you would find him bottle feeding the calves which he loved. Being an avid farmer came along with his favorite tractor company, John Deere. Come every fall Allen loved to invite friends, family and the neighbors over for hayrides. He always loved seeing the little kids have fun. Most of all Allen had a great sense of humor.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at Lunning Chapel, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service with family receiving friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will be in Glasgow Cemetery in Glasgow, Iowa. The family would like for everyone to come in casual jeans or their favorite pair of bib overalls in honor of Allen.
Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established in his memory for Glasgow Cemetery. Per the family’s request checks may be written payable to Glasgow Cemetery and can either be brought to the service or mailed to Kelly E. Heisel, 29766 Hickory Ave., Cantril, Iowa 52542.