John E. Heil, 91, Saint Marys, died unexpectedly at 3:56 A.M. Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, Saint Marys.

He was born June 22, 1926, in New Knoxville, the son of Herbert and Emma (Cook) Heil. He married Wilma Brodbeck on May 15, 1948, at Saint Paul's United Church of Christ in Saint Marys, and she survives at the residence.

He is also survived by his children: Pam (Fred) Scheer of Saint Marys; Bruce Heil of West Chester, Ohio; Amy (Bill) Lauth of Saint Marys. He is survived by his grandchildren: Andy (Jen) Scheer; Melissa (Dustin) Wills; Lori Scheer; Brian Scheer; Brooke Lauth; John (Katie) Lauth. He is survived by his great-grandchildren: Will Cotterman and Fara Scheer. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Harold Lauth of New Knoxville; sister-in-law, Mary Heil of Wapakoneta.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by four children: Deborah Heil; Steven Heil; Mark Heil and Ted Heil. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Juanita Heil; Eleanor Nelson; Dick Heil; Louise Tester; Paul Heil; Martha Lauth; Herb Heil; Libby Burden.

John was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Central European Theater during WWII. He had worked for many years as the manager of Parker Motors in Saint Marys, and also retired from Speckman Auto in Saint Marys.

John was a member of Saint Paul's United Church of Christ in Saint Marys. He loved working on his yard, and will be remembered for his warm, friendly personality.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 19, 2017, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, the Reverend Ed Bray, officiant. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, Saint Marys.

Friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Friday at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, where memorial gifts may be given to the Deb Heil Scholarship Fund at New Knoxville School.

Condolences may be sent to John's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.