Stephen Vuille Heine

Stephen Vuille Heine, 95, of Huntingdon, PA passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 16. He was the son of Martin H Heine and Ivagene Kurtz Heine. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Alice Edwards Heine, sister Jane Heine Brown of Huntingdon, PA, daughter Jennifer Heine Vidmer and son-in-law Gary C Vidmer of Davidson, NC, and step-sister, Barbara Detwiler and husband Ronald of Huntingdon, PA. "Grampy" will be forever remembered by his six grandchildren Lyndsay G Barlow (Edward) of Haddonfield, NJ, Andrew M Heine of West Chester, PA, Rebecca R Heine (John) of Durham, NC, Abigail K Vidmer of Baltimore, MD, Kurt S Vidmer (Kate) of Huntersville, NC, and Grace K Heine of Cleveland, OH. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren Edward, Aiden, and Evelyn Barlow, as well as many special nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Dr. Martin Kurtz Heine (Laurice).
Steve was born at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, PA on November 25, 1929. He graduated in 1947 from Huntingdon High School where he played on the Western Conference Championship Football Team and was a member of the State Champion Glee Club. He then completed a post-graduate year at Mercersburg Academy. Steve attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His education was interrupted when he chose to enlist in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After his time in the Air Force, he then went on to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity where he forged deep and lasting friendships.
Steve was licensed as a Professional Engineer in 1960, and soon thereafter formed a partnership with Jack D. Simpson. Their firm, Heine & Simpson, Inc. completed the first Comprehensive Plan of Huntingdon County, "Continuity through Conservation", in 1963. Stephen V. Heine, Inc., Consulting Engineers, was then formed and provided engineering and surveying services throughout Central Pennsylvania. He was a practicing civil engineer for over 55 years.
As a dedicated community volunteer, his list of church and community service organizations were broad and diverse. He was a lifetime member of the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church, having served as an Elder, Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and Choir Member. A choir experience particularly dear to him was his participation in the Messiah Choir at Christmas. Steve was dedicated to his church family and aligned his life and values closely with his Christian faith. He was active in Scouting, having served as Cubmaster for Pack 12 and later as a Neighborhood Commissioner in the Oneida District. Steve was active in Huntingdon Community Theater, Huntingdon Jaycees, and an organizer and charter member of the Huntingdon Revitalization and Development, Inc. Steve served as President of the Huntingdon Park and Road Association for over 40 years, with a particular interest in the preservation of Blair Park. He was a lifetime member of the Penn State University Alumni Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, having served as President of the Central Chapter.
His greatest source of joy was his 72-year-marriage to his high school sweetheart, Alice Edwards Heine. They were married November 1,1952 at the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church. Their tight and loving bond spanned nearly 80 years. Steve adored Alice above all else and the family they created together. "Grampy" was beloved by his children and grandchildren, and was a nurturing grandfather whose love for his family knew no bounds. From annual readings of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, to executing elaborate Easter egg hunts, and sharing his love of bagpipes and classical music, he relished making all family gatherings extra special.
Curious and interested in many things, he pursued a variety of unique passions and interests including: classical music, history, flying as a private pilot, genealogy, hiking, and fly-fishing. Additionally, he was fascinated by the study of weather and aviation. He was truly a lifelong learner, eager to master new skills–even creating an Instagram account in his 90's to follow the adventures of his children and grandchildren.
He loved spending time each summer at his family lakeside cottage in Northern Ontario. Steve enjoyed his time on beautiful Basswood Lake with his extended family, children, and grandchildren. There, he enjoyed fishing, boating, and especially paddling in his cherished red wooden canoe.
Steve will be remembered above all for his unwavering kindness, incredible patience, and sharp wit. He had a rare gift of quickly befriending others, always offering a warm smile with a sparkle in his eye. Although his physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church, 508 Mifflin St., Huntingdon, with the Reverend Brett Hoover officiating. Friends will be received from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service. A reception will follow. Private interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Huntingdon.
As Steve wished, instead of flowers, memorials may be gifted to the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church or the Huntingdon Park and Road Association.
To sign an online guest book and express condolences, visit www.johnbbrownfuneralhome.com.