Colonel (Ret) William A. Heizmann lll, loving husband and father, died August 13, 2023 in Yarmouth, Maine. He was born on January 26, 1937 in Reading, Pennsylvania to Angela (nee Dives) and William Albert Heizmann, Jr. He was predeceased by his sister, Angela H. Gilchrist and his brother J. Lawrence Heizmann.
Bill was married for 61 years to Jane Heizmann (nee Hilborn) who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Stephanie H. Auerbach (John) of New Canaan, Connecticut. Edward S. Heizmann (Debra) of Michigan City, Indiana.; his grandchildren, Elliott William Auerbach and Lily Jane Auerbach; his nieces Marisa R. Randazzo of Alexandria, Virginia. Shannon R. Kerr of Sausalito, California.; and nephews James Solin of Shillington, Pennsylvania. and Charles Solin of Washington, DC.
After graduating from Portsmouth Abbey School, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his master’s degree in from the University of Tennessee, Bill embarked on a distinguished 29-year career as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1958 and graduated from the United States Army War College. After an overseas tour in Australia, Bill served two tours in Vietnam, was commander of the 28th Transportation Battalion in Germany, then commander of Sunny Point Army Terminal in Southport, North Carolina, and ultimately returned to the Army War College as a faculty member prior to his retirement. He was highly decorated over the course of his career, having been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, among many other awards and commendations.
Upon his retirement with Jane to Downeast Maine, Bill became an active and respected member of the Sedgwick, Maine community, serving on the public school board as well as many other volunteer activities over nearly 30 years as a resident. To the community he was known as a man of integrity and a reliable friend. He was an avid reader and student of history and wove his knowledge into countless conversations with friends and acquaintances. Bill also carried his love of all things transportation-related into his retirement years, building a collection of scale model trains of his hometown Reading and Pennsylvania Railroads, as well as owning more than 30 cars over the years. He also took great pride in tending to Bill and Jane’s 150-year-old Sedgwick farmhouse, working in its garden and in particular walking his beloved golden retrievers, rain, snow or shine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of William A. Heizmann lll, to the Sedgwick-Brooklin Historical Society, P.O. Box 171, Sedgwick, Me. 04676 for the church restoration.