In Memory of Edward Heitke 1934- 2012

Recently we lost a cousin who died after a short bout with cancer. We will miss him dearly. His name was Edward Heitke and he married our cousin Louise Smith. Louise is the first born daughter of James Fredrick and Hazel Smith. I thought I would share with you a few pictures of Ed and other family members from photos which my father took through the years. These events were family gathering. Ed was a quiet spiritual man who was very intelligent. We (my family) were quite a loud bunch so Ed and Louise and the quietness which they displayed was very obvious to me as a child.

When I heard about his death, this photo came to mind. SO I went looking for it. It was taken at my parents home in Imlay City in 1974. It was probably taken around Grandma Lillian's February Birthday or maybe around Easter.

Back row: James Fredrick Smith, Keith Heitke, Ed Heitke

Middle row: Kevin Heitke, Mark Smith

Front row: Harold Smith, Everett Smith, Dick Buike

I wonder where Matt was? It is pretty unusual for him to be missing from this photo. Isn't that interesting!

This is an earlier photo of the Heitke family from 1973.  I felt certain that we had other photos from time spent with the Heitke family at their home in Flint but I did not find them.  What I have scanned in are slides which Dad took and I thought that I had them all scanned. 

This photo was taken  of the Fred Smith Family on Fred and Hazel's 50th Wedding Anniversary.  I can't for the life of me figure out why Dad did not have Ed and Bruce get in this Photo.  He was usually pretty good about taking Family Photos which included the son-in-laws.

Left to right: Bruce and Helen Jane Wilson, Hazel and Fred Smith, Louise and Ed Heitke - 1977.

 

Ed and Louise came to visit Mom and Dad in Harbor Beach.  I am not certain when this was.  Sharon and I visited Ed and Louise in Scottsdale, Arizona in the mid 1980's I will have to see if I can find that photo and at it to the post.  I believe it may have been that trip which helped them to decide to move to Arizona permanently. 

So I wanted to make sure that I remember Ed fondly because he was a he was a wonderful addition to our Smith family who is sorely missed.

Love,   Jan