Thomas V. Heil

Thomas Vincent Heil, 69, passed away on August 25, 2025, with his family and friends by his side. He was born on June 9, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rena (Spies) Heil, and his siblings, James, Mary Beth, and Robert Heil.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Jessica Heil and Tiffany (Bryan) Dallas. He was a beloved father-in-law to Bryan and a cherished grandfather to Brooke, Colton, and Savannah Dallas, who not only brought him joy but gave him his greatest purpose in life. He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph (Julie) Heil and Timothy (Lori) Heil; nieces and nephews, Wesley, Amanda, Kailey, Madisyn, Emily, Aaron, and Thomas; and his former wife and mother of their children, Annette Heil. The Heil bloodline runs deep, and Thomas leaves behind many cousins whom he treasured. He also built extraordinary friendships throughout his life with people who became family.

The "Heil Brothers" shared a close, loyal bond, full of ruckus and an irreplaceable friendship. Thomas was fiercely loved by his surviving brothers, Tim and Joe, and his late brothers, Robert & Jim. Though their sister Mary Beth passed too soon, she was the backbone of the Heil family. He especially adored his mother, Rena 'Big Mama', whose love and loyalty shaped him deeply. At a later date, Thomas will be laid to rest with his parents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Thomas's passing was unexpected, the result of an infection that overtook his body, but true to himself, he faced it with contrary stubbornness. His death came without anticipation and happened quickly, which is how he prayed it would end.

Those who knew Tom knew about his love and mastery of fishing, thrill of hunting, and enjoyment of all animals and plants from the Great Outdoors. He enjoyed golfing earlier in life, boating, and he had a lifelong love for a cold can of Coca-Cola, McDonald's hamburgers (extra onion, no pickle), and his drink of choice, V.O. on the rocks. He was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan, a loyal Chicago White Sox supporter, and made sure everyone knew he loathed the Cubs. He enjoyed classic rock, especially Pink Floyd. Untraditional and unforgettable, Thomas loved garage sales, flea markets, and the thrill of finding treasures, whether as a vendor at the Allstate Flea Market or the Elkhorn Antique Show. And, of course, his daily lottery tickets, always convinced he'd hold the winning one, we all wish he would've managed that. But nothing in life brought him greater happiness than being with his grandchildren, who made him the most doting grandfather, often showing up with a van full of gifts, or a box of 'the best donuts' at 6 a.m. He loved holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, and even created half birthday celebrations to make life more fun.

Those who knew Thomas will remember his generous spirit, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his way of showing love as quickly as he might call you an idiot. They'll also remember his notoriously wild driving, while speeding excessively in the left lane (and cursing anyone in the way). Contrary to his core, the most stubborn human on the planet, he was loving, loyal, quirky, and unapologetically himself. Thomas was the diamond in the rough whose love and loyalty will shine on in the hearts of all who knew him. "Be good and go to church. Catholic church."

A Celebration of Life and visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lindy's Landing in Wauconda, Illinois, with a memorial at 6:30 p.m. His final Funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois, with a visitation preceding the service at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in honor of his late siblings, Mary Beth and Robert Heil, or to St. Mary School in DeKalb, in recognition of his grandchildren and his unwavering Catholic faith.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home. For info, 847-359-8020.