Ronald Heibeck

Ronald Benjamin Heibeck of St. Johns entered into the gates of Heaven Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the age of 94. Born in St. Johns on July 16, 1920 to William Benjamin and Mabel Viola (Hicks) Heibeck. Ron's life passions included his family, church, and farm. He enjoyed feeding the birds, reading, riding his Gator, being out on his tractor, and taking in God's gift of nature. Ron liked to watch sports on TV and he also enjoyed following the grandchildren's sports.

He escorted Bonnie to her music events and was her best critic and a patient listener. Although Ron worked for Diamond REO and Motor Wheel before retiring from Federal Mogul, he was a lifetime farmer. His favorite response to asking about his love of farming was, "Farming is in my blood... once a farmer, always a farmer." He was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church, Maple Twirlers Square Dance Club, Farm Bureau, and Local 925 UAW. On June 14, 1947 Ron married Bonita "Bonnie" Pope Heibeck and she survives him after 67 years of marriage.

Also surviving are his children: Candice (Jim) Pierson, R. Scott Heibeck, Judith (Stuart) Hazle, and Mark (Barbie) Heibeck; grandchildren, Dwight (Anne) Pierson, Chad Pierson, Scottie (Colleen) Heibeck, Sterling (Kaylena) Heibeck, Sean (Becky) Heibeck, David (Bridget) Hazle, Rebecca (Jonathan Ramirez) Gearld, John (Jessica) Hazle, Jason (Molly Demott) Heibeck, Jamie (Theron) Miller, and Britney Heibeck; 21 great grandchildren; brother, Lawrence Heibeck; sisters, Kathryn Peck and Francis Halitsky; and brother-in-law, Dean Pope. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beatrice Heibeck; brothers, Robert, Kenneth, and Conrad; sisters-in-law, Alice Heibeck, Hazel Heibeck, Zelma Heibeck, and Martha Pope; brothers-in-law; Nick Halitsky, and Robert Peck.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 15, 2014 at Pilgrim United Methodist Church, 2965 W. Parks Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879 with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Burial will follow at South Bingham Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing, MI 48910.