Christian Heiligenstein
Christian E. "Rick" Heiligenstein, 79, of Palm Beach, Fla., formerly of Belleville, Ill., born Dec. 7, 1929, in St. Louis, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Rick received his bachelor's degree in 1953 and his juris doctor degree in 1955 from the University of Illinois. He jump-started his career as an associate at Listeman and Bandy in East St. Louis, Ill., from 1955 to 1961. He then opened a solo practice of personal injury law from 1962 to 1998, where he achieved the esteemed honor of being admitted into the Inner Circle of Trial Advocates for his work and success in the infamous Ford Pinto Exploding Gas Tank Cases.
His other lifetime achievements were election/appointment to serve as president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and president of The Beach Club, Palm Beach, Fla. He was also awarded Alumnus of the Month at the University of Illinois and had a chair named in his honor at the University of Illinois School of Law.
Rick was an active member and served on the board of the Magna Group/Union Planters Bank of Illinois, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the St. Louis Board of Trial Lawyers, the Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Inner Circle of Advocates, the American Academy of Professional Liability Attorneys, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the Old Guard in Palm Beach, Fla.
He was also an avid hunter and marksman and loved fishing and baseball.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Lynn Heiligenstein.
Surviving are his loving wife of 28 years, Liselotte, nee Warbanoff, Heiligenstein; two daughters and a son, Christie Heiligenstein, Dr. Eric Heiligenstein, and Lynn Heiligenstein; and two brothers, Ron Heiligenstein of Arizona and Jim Heiligenstein of Wisconsin.
A special thank you goes out to his doctors and the nursing staff of the Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit for their expert, supportive, and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, it was Rick's request that a donation be made in his daughter's name to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from Nov. 19 to Nov. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Christian Heiligenstein

8 Entries

Nancy (Bush) Waldren

November 20, 2009

I would like to extend my condolences to Rick's family. I worked for Rick at his lawfirm (Public Square) for a number of years. He was tough to work for - but I appreciated learning so much from him. My prayers are with all of you.

Barbara Widel

November 20, 2009

He was never too busy or felt too important to stop and help anyone. I will remember him as a very kind man.

November 20, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. May the memories of all your good times bring you comfort. My father Tom, was friends with Rick.

Monica Nold-Lybarger

Diane (Longust) Plant

November 19, 2009

It's been a very long
time, but I used to
house sit when the
girls were little. I
enjoyed my time there,
and I'm very sorry for
your loss. Rick is
with Julie in heaven.
God bless you all.

Libby Reuter

November 19, 2009

Rick's love for beautiful fine art was infectious. His early support of the concept of an art center on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College was an important catalyst for the construction of the Schmidt Art Center. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family for their loss.

jon and jane carlson

November 19, 2009

we are so sorry for your loss.rick was a great friend and mentor.

John Heiligenstein

November 19, 2009

With deep sympathy to Rick's family and loved ones...may he rest in peace.

Mike and Mary DeLong

November 19, 2009

We would like to tell the family how sorry we are for their loss. Mr. Heiligenstein was a wonderful man. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. God bless your family.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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