David Michael Heuer of Sandwich, 70, died on February 5, 2026, in the hospital after sudden cardiac arrest due to acute respiratory failure.
Born on May 4, 1955, in Melrose Park, to Dorothy Mary (Schultz) and Thomas Francis Heuer, Dave was raised in Villa Park, where his love of engines and mechanics came to life. He could often be found noodling around on go carts and racing them on a dirt track in the expanse of the neighbor’s yard.
Dave went on to have a very successful career as a Chevrolet engine technician. He spent the vast majority of his career at Celozzi-Ettleson in Elmhurst, and then at Bill Kay in Lisle. He was also “Master Mechanic” for the extended Heuer and Pelz families, among others.
Dave has always worked almost as hard as he played. Over the years he has had many interests and hobbies, including camping in his motor coach fully equipped with a toy-hauler garage for his Smart car, motorcycling, motor boating, snowmobiling, and sometimes just relaxing outdoors by a campfire with family and friends.
Dave was outgoing and easy to approach. He made friends everywhere he went. He was a humble guy, a man of few words, and a great listener who always took sincere interest in what others had to say. Dave liked to remain busy and would do anything for anyone. He’d be the first to volunteer to lend a hand, fix something, go somewhere, whatever you needed. As a registered organ donor, Dave wanted to continue giving even after his death. Sadly, that did not become a reality.
Dave is survived by his best friend of 40 years, Terri (Pelz) Heuer, whom he finally married 13 years ago; his two sons, David Joseph (Erica) Heuer and Todd Thomas (Deanna) Heuer; 8 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and 4 siblings Linda Heuer, Tim Heuer, Benita Heuer, Byron Heuer. Dave would have also given honorable mention to his “chosen parents” Ed (deceased) and Judy Pelz.
Dave will be remembered for the uncanny way he was somehow both mild-mannered and bigger than life. His legacy of love and adventure lives on in all who love him.
Join us in celebrating Dave’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 320 S Depot Street, Somonauk, IL 60552, followed by a Celebration of Life in the Parish Hall anytime from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. Interment will be a private ceremony for family members at a later date. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt 34 W ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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