Don “Donnie” Heitman

Donald Heitman

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Don (Donnie) Heitman, whose life was rooted in family, hard work, and a deep love of the land. Don passed away on December 10, 2025.

A memorial service will be held in the near future.

Don was born March 14, 1961, to Edward and June Heitman. A farmer at heart, he found joy in the simple, meaningful things — working the land, tending to cows, and spending long days outdoors. His tractor was more than a tool; it was a source of pride, whether it was part of his toy collection or the real thing under open skies. Farming wasn’t just what he did — it was who he was — and his strong work ethic and love for nature were passed down through generations, connecting him closely to his own father and family roots.

Don worked for Wil-Kil/Rentokil for 26 years. He took great pride in showing up every day with honesty and dedication. Over the years, his customers became familiar faces and friends. On February 28, 1981, Don married Annette Guite. They spent 45 years loving each other and their family.

As a dad and grandpa, he was present, thoughtful, and endlessly loving. He delighted in time spent with his grandchildren — sharing ice cream and donuts, taking tractor and gator rides, going on adventures, and enjoying Disney vacations. He cherished watching sports, celebrating Christmas, and creating memories that will be treasured forever. He had a special way of surprising his family with small, silly gifts that brought big smiles and laughter.

He enjoyed simple pleasures like fish fries, hamburgers, and time with his dogs — especially his beloved corgis. Known for his good sense of humor, he could always bring lightness into a room and make those around him feel at ease.

Above all, he was a loving husband and a devoted family man. His love for his family was steady, genuine, and unwavering, and it showed in everything he did.

Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the values he taught, the land he loved, and the countless memories shared with those closest to him.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and June Heitman; and his son, Alexander.

He is survived by his loving wife, Annette; his children: Nicolas (Jenny) Heitman, and Sara (Brandon) Lukowski; beloved grandchildren, Madeline and Henry; his sister, Jean (Rich) Kleinfeldt; and his brothers, Lloyd (Roberta) Heitman and Larry Heitman. Further survived by nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Life Star ambulance crew, the Quincy Fire Department, and the neighbors who stopped by for their kindness, care, and compassion during this difficult time.

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Condolences

  1. Patty, Greg, Alex and Izzy Kobs says:

    Annette, Nick and Sara,

    We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Donnie. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will always cherish the times we spent together as we watched our children and families grow. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

  2. Dennis&Judy Allen says:

    Annette, Nicholas, and Sara, our thoughts and prayers are with are with you. Donnie was a special person, husband, and father. His time came far to early, he positively touched so many people, let the many great memories help you thru this difficult time. RIP Donnie

  3. Gordon/Marie Whitemarsh says:

    Very sorry for your loss, Don was a great guy, sincere condolences to his wife, and family

  4. Kim Mohrbacher says:

    Annette and family, please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. I hope that your cherished memories provide solace in the days to come.

  5. Melodye Jones says:

    Annette, I am deeply sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I know how much you loved him. I’m thinking about you and praying for you.

  6. Rick Wellnitz says:

    R.I.P Donnie, Thoughts and prayers to your family. I could write all day on the times we had in our younger years but those are memories and I will always have them. You are a very good man and were all a little better for knowing you.

  7. Kasey Richter says:

    My deepest condolences. His kindness and steady presence in my childhood had a lasting positive impact on my life. I will always remember that unmistakable laugh and the light he brought to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

  8. Mark and Tammy Pietrzak says:

    Annette, you have our heartfelt sympathy. It’s heartbreaking! Life has sent as all on different paths, but one path always stays open, our lifelong friendships. Donnie was one of
    those. From grade school, thru high-school, and into our adult years. Donnie had a huge heart and will be greatly missed. Sending prayers, comfort, and lots of hugs!

  9. Tom Pokszyk says:

    There’s are alot of memories WE all have had with DON,The years of ball games & all the party time we had. Annettt my heart feels the lost of a great man

  10. Pam Collins says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Cherish the memories.

  11. Deb and Steve says:

    Don was a great man. It was a pleasure to have known him.

  12. Jessica McLain says:

    Heitman Family-
    So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed talking to him when he worked for Wil-Kill.
    Jessica McLain

  13. Michelle MacDonald says:

    My dear sister there are no words….
    Please remember we are here loving and praying for you all. Michelle

  14. Rev Terri Skildum says:

    May the good Lord grant you comfort and peace as only he can. My condolences.

  15. Rick Titze says:

    Sorry for your loss. Condolences to your family. Share and cherish all of the great memories you have. I know for certain we will.

  16. Roselyne Ferguson says:

    Dearest Annette and family, I know of you because of my research on the Guité’s ancestral family, your grandfather Alfred was my grandmother Clara brother. I take this moment to express my sincere condolences for your loss, may Don memories bring comfort and peace to all of you. Sincerely,
    Roselyne Ferguson

  17. Rob D. says:

    So Sorry for your Loss Annette, but please remember:
    13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians

  18. Donna says:

    So sorry to learn that Don is gone. He was a good person and we enjoyed having him as our Wilkil tech. Always dependable and had time to visit and give advice. He shared tractor calendars with me when he found out my sons were tractor lovers too.

  19. Lennard A. Wilson says:

    Dear Heitman Family,
    So sorry to hear about Donnie passing away and you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of sorrow.
    Take Care and God Bless, You and Strengthen and Comfort You.
    Lennard A. Wilson

  20. Dr Gonzo says:

    Sorry for your loss Annette

  21. Rushell Moyer says:

    I am so sorry to hear about Donnies passing. We are here if you need anything.

  22. Barb Foss says:

    Loved talking with him around our routes. What a lovely man. Sympathy and love to you all.

  23. Ashley Meyer (Pietrzak), Mike and Bev Pietrzak says:

    Im so very sorry for your loss. He was a very good man and his smile and laugh will live in many people’s memories forever. Sending all our thoughts, sympathies, and condolences to all of his family.

  24. Jerry & Mary Lou Poehler says:

    So Sorry for your loss. Don was a great man.

  25. Jack and Megan Martin says:

    We are so sorry for this incredible loss. It’s people like Donnie who make me proud I grew up on a farm in Adams County. Our sincerest condolences to Nettie, Sara, Nick and the rest of the Heitman family – we love you.

  26. Christine Bade says:

    So sorry for your loss, I knew him as our big guy. He always came in with a warm smile and a great sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers with you as your family are in this time of need

  27. June Buchanan Stine says:

    My very deepest sympathies to the Heitman family. My heart is with you all! 💕

  28. Mark C Crump says:

    My deepest condolences. Sending hugs and prayers during this difficult time for all his family and friends. His friendliness will be missed by many

  29. Sue (Davis) & Randy Anderson says:

    So sorry for your loss. Donnie was a wonderful guy from grade school onward. He always had such a great smile and time to talk. He will be greatly missed. Hold all the wonderful memories close. My deepest sympathy to your families.

  30. Eugene and Tammy Boersma says:

    Our deepest sympathies to the Heitman family. Don was a wonderful guy and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in Peace Donnie.

  31. Dick and,Marj Colby says:

    So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Treasure your memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

  32. Jim&Michele Falk says:

    Larry and family
    Sorry to hear the loss of your brother. Praying for your family at this time. If you need help lets us know.

  33. Julie and Bob Goodhue says:

    We are so sorry for your loss of Donnie. May wonderful memories help you through the days ahead. Thinking of you all.

  34. Pati Grusczynski says:

    Sending my deepest condolences to your families Annette. Donnie was always a close friend. His smile will always be missed. Saying prayers for you all.

  35. Robert Shaske says:

    It was a very sad day when I herd of Don’s passing,will always remember him stopping in our office in the warehouse at the end of our shift with a new story every day ,he was such a likable guy that will for sure be truly missed by many RIP Don and I send my condolences to the family.

  36. Alex Wood says:

    Donnie would come into the office where I work to check traps and the like for his job about once a month or so. Every time he came through, he always managed to make me smile with stories about his wife and kids or some joke. I’ll miss him coming around. I’m terribly sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.

  37. Sandra Pheiffer says:

    I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words I can offer except that you raised wonderful children and that is a beautiful legacy. May you find comfort in remembering the love and good times shared. ❤️

  38. Bob and Kim Bezemek says:

    So sorry for the Heitman Family, may you find God’s peace during this difficult time.

  39. Shirley Theisen and family says:

    Sincere condolences to Annette and your entire family on your loss. There are no adequate words to convey our sympathy, but please know we understand and care. Cherish your wonderful memories.

  40. Tammie Hazel says:

    My deepest condolences to the Heitman family.

  41. Don and Debbie Abfall says:

    Don did our pest control at our schools . He was a hard workingman! (He always came and found me just to chat for a bit.) He will be dearly missed by all !. Our deepest condolences to you all.

  42. Bob Bowser says:

    So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sending prayers and condolences during this difficult time for all his family and friends

  43. Gary & Rosie Dybul says:

    Annette and Family,
    We were deeply saddened to hear of Donnie’s passing. We will truly miss the little chats we shared whenever our paths crossed while on his tractor. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you made together.
    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Gary and Rosie Dybul

  44. Joyce and Sherry Baumgart says:

    Sincere condolences to family and friends. A great loss of a great guy.

  45. Debbi and Nick Segina says:

    We are so saddened to hear that Donnie passed. Annette and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.

  46. Lori Bartram (Chilewski) says:

    So sad to hear of Donnies passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts for the days ahead. May all your wonderful memories fill your heart. I will always remember his big smile.

  47. Judith Bieri says:

    So sorry to read of Donnie’s passing. I worked with Donnie at the Coop years ago and we always had a good time and many laughs. Always remember the good times and God Bless.

  48. Marissa Glenn says:

    My deepest sympathies to all of you. He was an incredible man. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile and kindness. Many hugs to all of you during this difficult time.

  49. Dawn Jones-Jahnke says:

    Donnie was a wonderful classmate. Always a smile, a sweetheart, and true to his school. He will be greatly missed.

  50. George and Tracy Ferge says:

    My thoughts prayers and hugs to the family and friends Don will be missed bye many always enjoyed talking with him at the plant when he came and ck the traps always a good sense of humor just a great guy in many ways rip my friend

  51. Doug and Linda Donley says:

    So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the family. He will be missed.

  52. Jenna Dominguez says:

    My very deepest sympathies to the Heitman family. My heart is with you all!

  53. Lori Ward says:

    Annette and Family,
    So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Always had a smile for everyone. May he RIP!

  54. Nancy Allen Ganther says:

    Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Donnie. Rejoice in the memories that you were able to make with him.

  55. Mary & Ross Moore says:

    Annette and Family,
    So sorry to hear of Donnie passing. Cherish all those wonderful memories. God’s blessings .
    Our sincere condolences.
    Mary & Ross Moore

  56. Rosemary (Phillips) Marrero says:

    So sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers for you all 🙏

  57. Valerie Mecklenburg says:

    absolutely Heartbreaking to see this. keep hold of the memories, talk of him often keeping him alive within your hearts. what a special guy who loved his family so dearly. 🙏 to you all.

  58. Terri Gulrud says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish your loving memories let them help you through the trying times ahead. My prayers are with you.

  59. Mike & Paula Fenner says:

    So sorry for the family’s loss, sending our deepest sympathy!

  60. Kathie and Jerry Dye says:

    We are so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.

  61. Lonnie Robbins says:

    Sorry for all of your loss. Sending my deepest sympathies!

  62. Jon Guité says:

    I have had nothing but respect for Donnie, when he met and married my sister Annette making her the happiest woman in the whole world.
    Donnie leaves behind a family legacy of hard work, thoughtfulness, love and compassion.
    He will be missed by all that knew him.

  63. Michael T Clark says:

    So sorry for your family’s loss…..

  64. Mark & Peggy Williams Bond says:

    So sorry for the family’s loss. may he R.I.P.

  65. Doug Akkerman says:

    So Sorry for your loss he was a great man I always enjoyed talking to him about bugs

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