Yorkville - Willis Max Heimerl, age 87, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He was born March 11, 1929, son of the late Edward and Evelynee (nee Reische) Heimerl in West Allis. On September 24, 1960, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jeanette R. Moyer, at Yorkville United Methodist Church. They were married 48 years until her passing in April, 2009. On December 28, 2013, he married Donna Barnes at St. Monica's Senior Living Chapel. Willis had two careers in his lifetime: First and foremost, he was a Farmer and sold seed for over 40 years. He also worked as a Real Estate Agent for 15 years at Johnson Realty and was self-employed afterwards as a Broker for 10 years. Willis liked taking his family every Sunday to church, eating out for lunch, and shopping in Racine, Hales Corners, and Milwaukee. He loved shopping, especially at Piggly Wiggly, Aldi's, and Menards. He found the best deals and was proud of that. He enjoyed our family vacations in Wisconsin Dells every summer. His favorite things to do in the Dells were boat rides, train rides, Tommy Bartlett Water Show, picnics at Lake Delton Public Beach, and tasty tradition of eating at Kentucky Fried Chicken. He liked spending the day at various county fairs and the state fair. He watched the country western shows. He also listened to Doo-wop and the Oldies, but Goodies. He enjoyed tractor shows/ thresherees, Renaissance Faire, Mukwonago Fair (a huge flea market), East Troy Trolley, Elegant Farmer, Aqua Ducks in Burlington, and Old World Wisconsin. He and his wife especially had fun on these outings together. Over the years, Willis entered many fruits, vegetables, and flowers in the Racine County Fair. Tending to his huge garden was a wonderful hobby for him. It was his passion. He was thrilled when he won Best of Show with his fruits and vegetables. He won many ribbons and kept them all. His favorite TV programs were the Lawrence Welk Show and wrestling. No husband and father could have loved his wife and children more. He will be dearly missed.

Willis is survived by his daughters, Susan (Burnell) Breaker of Racine, Sharon (Louis) Fliess of Burlington; and six grandchildren, Andy and Ryan Breaker, Emily, Abbey, Michael, and Molly Fliess; and sister, Janice Hahn, sister-in-law, Christine Heimerl, brother-in-law, James (Sandy) Moyer; and his close friend (the hired-hand that was like a son to him), Joseph (Brenda) Ahmad; other relatives and many dear friends.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanette; brother, Robert Heimerl; and brother-in-law, Clarence Hahn.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family at Yorkville United Methodist Church, 17645 Old Yorkville Road on the corner of 67th Drive, on Monday, April 25, 2016 from 9 am-11 am. The service is to follow at 11 am with Rev. Sue Leih officiating. Private interment will be held at Forest Hill Memorial Park.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of St. Monica's Senior Living Center for their compassionate care provided.