Dennis Ervin Heil

Dennis Ervin Heil passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024 at the age of 80 in the care of Aspirus Hospital and his loving family.

Dennis was born in Illinois on April 5, 1944 to Rosina and Ervin Heil. As a young boy, his family moved to a farm in Marathon, WI. There he grew up with his five brothers, Arnold, Richard, Jim, Eugene, and Roger as well as his five sisters Elaine(deceased), Theresa, Rose, Barb, and Marge.

He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School, Marathon High School and NTCI. After graduation he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for three years. He married Carol Wierzba and together they purchased land in Marathon, built a home, and raised three sons; Shawn, Jody and Jeremy. Some of Dennis’ happiest times were spent teaching his sons all the skills he had learned over his lifetime.

Dennis worked at the former Drott Manufacturing (JI Case) for 27 years where he held various positions. After his retirement from Case, he worked part time for Sulzer Machining in Mosinee as a machinist. Dennis never stopped learning and creating. He was always building something with his hands. 

Dennis never got over his childhood love of tractors and spent his retirement collecting and restoring antique Case tractors. He and his wife, Carol, spent many summer weekends traveling the US in their camper to tractor shows, pulls and swap meets, always looking for that special part he needed or that model tractor he didn’t have. They loved traveling, camping and fishing together. They especially loved spending time with their sons and their families.

 Dennis was proud of his service to his country. One of his proudest moments was going on the Honor Flight with his brothers Arnie and Richard. He said it was the trip of a lifetime. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, 225780 Rib Mountain Drive #234 Wausau, WI 54401, in his name. (Donate – Never Forgotten Honor Flight)

Dennis was a loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol, his sons Shawn, Jody (Laura), and Jeremy (Joelle), his grandchildren Elizabeth, Claire, Marcy, Graeme, Ella, Jackson, Will and great-grandson Caspian (Elizabeth and Andreas Fritz) Fritz.

A private family funeral will be held at a later date with the assistance of Brainard Funeral Home-Wausau.