Christopher James Heimann

1981 - 2019

GALESBURG - On Sunday, April 21, 2019, Christopher James Heimann passed away at the age of 37.
Chris was born Oct. 3, 1981, in Galesburg, to Tim and Cathy (Kucik) Heimann. He received his bachelor's degree in history from Knox College in 2004 and his master's degree in education from the University of La Verne in 2013.
On Sept. 21, 2013, he married Christy Rosier with whom he had one daughter, Elodie Jane Romann, on July 21, 2016.
Chris had a passion for life. His presence alone elevated the environment everywhere he went. He brought that "X" factor to everything he participated in; family gatherings, parties and group text messages just won't be the same without him. He enjoyed sports, but loved basketball the most. The NBA lost one of its biggest fans and couch commentators.
Chris had a gift for gab that was second to none - and that's putting it lightly. Whether about sports, politics, religion or parenting, Chris welcomed conversations - friendly or otherwise - with anyone who was willing to engage. It's no wonder he found immeasurable joy coaching and teaching.
But most of all, Chris was a good man. He was a loving and loyal husband, who strove to make even the mundane things memorable. He was a caring Dada, who gave Elodie her independence (bordering on obstinance), silliness, and zest for life. To his parents, he proved you save the best for last (or so he would say). As a sibling, he was the youngest, the feistiest, and the most likely to buy you a beer. Much to his chagrin, he had in-laws with whom he had a hate-to-love relationship. And he was a committed, genuine, and thoughtful friend. It wasn't an accident that Chris had more long-time, close friends than most.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Tim, and their dog, Lula. He is survived by his wife, Christy; their daughter, Elodie; their dog, Grover; his mother, Cathy; his brothers, Kerry and Kevin; his sister, Cammi Lawrence (brother-in-law, Doug Lawrence; nephews, Max and Simon; nieces, Lucy and Eliza); and his in-laws (Butch and Pat Rosier; Alicia Rosier and Dan O'Brien; their sons, Beckham and Ander; and their dog, Harrison Bader).
A celebration of life will be at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 5, 2019, at The Tent by the River at The Loading Dock, 401 E. Front St., Grafton, IL 62037. Chris always said, "Pink is the new black," so don't show up in all black looking like it's a funeral. We are celebrating all things Chris; we are celebrating his life that was indeed full of life.
The family has created a college fund for Elodie. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made by going to Ugift529.com and entering Elodie Romann's code P4H-25N; or by making checks payable to USAA 529 Plan and entering Elodie J. Romann in the memo line. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.