Pickering Funeral Home  
Caring Service Since 1884

Back To Tribute Listing

Video Tribute

W. Ray Heilwagen

        W. Ray Heilwagen, 85, of Mexico, died at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Harry S Truman memorial Hospital, Columbia.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2009, at 2 p.m., at Pickering Funeral Home in Mexico with Fr. John Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Brendan Cemetery.

Mr. Heilwagen was born on Apr. 20, 1923, in Hannibal, the son of Walter Raymond and Myrle Helbing Heilwagen. On Nov. 3, 1946, in Hannibal, he married Dorothy J. Jackson, who preceded him in death on Feb. 27, 2003. He served in the US Army, 79th Infantry during World War II, and worked as a switchman for Southwestern Bell until he retired.

He was a member of Golden K Kiwanis, the Communication Workers of America, and St. Brendan Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading.

Survivors include four daughters, Kristen Sudbrock, Columbia, Dee Dee Stratman, Jefferson City, Tammy Martin and husband Terry, Mexico, and Judy Pursifull and husband Mike, Fulton; six grandchildren, Leslie Stratman, Omaha, Neb., Lance Stratman, Jefferson City, Jake Lederle, USMC, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Kayla Blank, Columbia, Stephen Scharthi, USAF, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, and RaeAnna Pursifull, Fulton.

In addition to his wife, three sons, Gary Ray, Don Wayne and Jeffrey Lee, preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to the Veterans Honor Flight. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy

Dear Judy, We're thinking of you and sending our love and prayers. I know how hard this is. Love, Lorie, Bruce, Heather and Hannah

Tammy We are sorry for the loss of your father. Sending our love and prayers to all the family. love sherry and butch.

Pickering Funeral Home extends our sympathy to the family of Mr. Heilwagen. We are honored they have allowed us to assist them during this time.

Private Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at office@pickeringfh.com  
please include the family name in the subject line

Enter your public tribute or expression of sympathy here.

Type verification image:
verification image, type it in the box


questions or comments office@pickeringfh.com