Brent Heidel

Brent Heidel 1943 - 2013 Brent Heidel, 70, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Hospice House after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his three children, Andrea Downing, Jodi Ray and Curt Heidel; foster daughter, Susan Leonard; and brother, Brian Heidel. Brent was born to Herb and Lucille Heidel of Green Lake, Wisconsin, on March 26, 1943. Brent attended Michigan State University's hotel & restaurant school of management and then with his brother, Brian, assumed responsibility for The Heidel House growing it into a premier resort and vacation destination. Brent also served as the Executive Director, Wisconsin Board of Tourism. Brent was passionate about the restaurant business and owned and operated a number of enterprises over the years including Land's End Tavern in Hilton Head Island, SC, most recently working at Michie Tavern in Charlottesville. Brent captured many hearts throughout his life-especially his kids and grandkids with his easy-going attitude, charm, wit, culinary skills, and hospitality. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in Brent's name to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Pkwy., Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 www.hopva.org or to Wounded Warriors, at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Colonial Baptist Church, 4218 Richmond Road, Keswick, VA 22947. www.colonialbc.org.

This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.