William Heikkinen

William "Willie" Heikkinen, age 88, of Brantwood, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Golden Living Center- Riverview in Tomahawk. He was born January 6, 1922 in Brantwood to the late Kalle and Katrina Heikkinen. He was later married to Marvel Cluse on September 8, 1942 in Milwaukee; she survives. Willie served in the United States Army during World War II in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Glider Division. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and D-Day. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He served for 34 years as a board member for the Tripoli and Prentice Schools. He was a member of the Lions Club in Tripoli, a 4-H Leader, and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Brantwood. Willie and his Brother, Carl, owned and operated Heikkinen Brothers Dairy and Forest Products. He was a member of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Association, and the Wisconsin Woodland Association. Willie employed numerous high school students during the Christmas tree sheering season. Survivors include his Wife, Marvel Heikkinen of Tomahawk, his Children, Susan Heikkinen of Tomahawk, Gary (Linda Flora) Heikkinen of Fort Atkinson, WI, Bruce Heikkinen of Puyallup, WA, and Brian Heikkinen of Tomahawk, 1 Sister, Ingrid of Avon Park, Florida, and Carl of Brantwood, Grandchildren, Sara (Pat) Walsh, Laura Chenault, Karla Heikkinen, and Kyle (Alyssa) Heikkinen. Great Grandchildren, Hannah, Emily and Kayla. Willie was preceded in death by his Parents, 4 Brothers, Eino, Gene, Paul, and Leo, and 2 Sisters, Lila and Ann. Funeral Services for Willie Heikkinen will be held Friday, June 25, 2010 at 11 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk, with Pastor Sandra Johnson of Zion Lutheran Church, Brantwood, to officiate. The family will receive friends at Grace Lutheran on Friday from 9 AM until the time of services at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers a Conservation Scholarship will be established at Tomahawk Community bank. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Golden Living Center-Riverview for the love and care they gave Bill.