William Bert Heidemann, age 80, passed away peacefully at Humboldt General Hospital in Winnemucca, Nev. On Feb., 24, 2015.
Bill was born naked at a very young age on Nov. 6, 1934, in St. Louis, Mo. Bill spent his entire career in the aerospace industry and resided in multiple locations throughout the country before retiring to Winnemucca, Nev.
One of Bill's most honored achievements was being awarded a U.S. patent for his design of the ejector seat detonation device for the Phantom F-15 military fighter jet as well as being recognized many times for his work on the Apollo and Gemini space programs. He will also be remembered as an accomplished UNO player and Amaretto connoisseur.
Bill is survived by his children, that we know of, Michael (Wendy) of Lovelock, Nev.; Julie Saxton, of Boise, Idaho; Lori (Mike) LaRondelle, of Fruitland, Idaho; Jim (Susan Mahaffey), of Winnemucca, Nev.; David Mahaffey, of Denver, Colo.; and grandchildren, Joshua, Jennifer, Paige, Christopher, Koby, Connor, Maribeth, Kyndall, Gordon, Richard, Elizabeth, Zach; six great grandchildren; brother, Bob (Linda), of Calgary, Canada; and sister, Betty (Larry) Gerdes, of Missouri.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Donna, and granddaughter, Tiffany.
Cremation will be facilitated by Sonoma Funeral Home in Winnemucca. The family will be having a celebration of life at a time and place to be determined.
The family would like to thank the Grass Valley Pershing County Volunteer Fire Dept. and the HGH Ambulance and hospital for their care and treatment of Bill during his time of need.
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