More detail on this person: HEFT, Edward (Ed)
Lee Retired Lieutenant
Colonel, Edward (Ed) Lee Heft, 83, passed away
after a long struggle with cancer on November 17,
2018, at the Dayton VA Hospice, Dayton, Ohio. Ed
was born on December 5, 1934, in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, to Melvin Lyle Heft and Edna Erhart
Heft. He received his bachelor's degree in
Aeronautical Engineering from University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ed served in United
States Air Force from 1959-1979. His compelling
call to duty, camaraderie with others in the Armed
Forces, degree in Aeronautical Engineering and
penchant for Research and Development allowed
him to contribute much to our country and
propelled him into an exemplary service record. He
flew Search and Rescue during his tour in Vietnam
and was awarded a Silver Star for his bravery in
action and was a Test Pilot. He was actively
involved in community activities, agriculture, and
Holistic Health. Ed is survived by his wife, Mary
Jean DeRado Heft, children: Trina Heft Bornejko
(Chris), Edward Heft II (Jana), Eric Heft (Sandi),
Kristen Goecker (Brandon), Taylor Perkins, Yvette
Farrell (Tim), Roger Merkel, Matt Merkel (Julie),
Katherine Lowry (Zach) grandchildren: Richard
Smith,
Amber Dierking (Kelby), Rhiannon Bryan (Daniel),
Alex Heft (Devon Howe), Brenden and Alysa Farrell,
Caroline and Isabelle Merkel, Brianna and Mia
Lowry, great-grandchildren: Blake Morfield Smith,
Rowan and Bryce Dierking, Kara and Haven Heft.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin
Lyle Heft and Edna Erhart Heft, brother, Walt Heft
(Phyllis), mother of his children, Goldie Lavina
Lane Heft, grandson, Ian J. Bornejko.
Graveside Military Service pending at the Dayton
National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. Please see:
Burial information: Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio
This information was last updated 11/26/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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