Walter D. Heller

Walter Duane Heller, 93, of Washington IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday September 25, 2025 at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, IL.

Walter was born on February 11, 1932, in Warren MN, the eldest son of David Heller and Vivian (Nicholls) Heller. The family later moved to Aurora IL, where Walter married his high-school sweetheart, Marilyn Brown. They had four sons: David (deceased), Eric, Karl (deceased), and Dorn. After Marilyn died suddenly from illness, Walter later married Donna Hamman of Washington Il, and they had another son, Brian.

Walter is survived by two brothers and two sisters: Janice (Harold) Russ of Dallas OR, Burt (Reba) Heller of Kennett MO, Richard (Pat) Heller of Mattoon IL, Judith (Roger) Koester of Denver CO; and three sons, Eric (Mary McGowan) of Flatrock MI, Dorn (Kelly) of Broken Arrow OK, and Brian (Kathleen) of Baraboo WI. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Walt & Donna always took joy in visits from family, especially their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Walter graduated from Purdue University where he studied mechanical engineering, and after service with the US Army Corps of Engineers began a successful career at Caterpillar Tractor Company (now Caterpillar Inc). Among other work, Walter was an engineering supervisor for the transformational D-10 project. He retired from the company after 32 years of service, and later worked as a consultant to lead Caterpillar's technology deal with manufacturers in the People's Republic of China.

Walt and Donna built a wonderful home in the country near Washington which he designed entirely himself and lived there for most of his life. After taking up water skiing with friends from Cat, Walt taught many extended family members the joy of skiing in many lake vacations. In retirement, Walter pursued woodworking with the same level of excellence he brought to all his ventures.

Walt was a long-time member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, where he served as a deacon, council member, treasurer, and on the church bowling team. He bowled regularly even into his 93rd year.

Cremation rites have been accorded. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, a memorial visitation will be held from 4-6pm at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Friday October 24, 2025, at 11am. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to Lutheran Hillside Village. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with his arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.