William "Bill" Edward Heika, Sr., 84, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Munson Hospice House. Bill was born on April 16, 1934 in Gross Pointe, Michigan to the late Kermit and Helen (Burden) Heika. Bill married the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Georgine A. Urabanchock on June 22, 1952 in Angola, Indiana. She preceded him in death on November 3, 2017. Together Bill and Genie raised nine children. Bill served as a City of Detroit Police Officer for 12 years. In 1968 Bill and his family moved to Traverse City where he was employed in the building trade including the historic restoration of the schoolhouse at Center Road and Montague Road on Old Mission Peninsula. For the remainder of his career Bill was employed as a Sewer and Water Technician with the Grand Traverse County Department of Public Works and a Leelanau County Building Code Inspector. He enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Orange Beach, AL. He love playing golf and being on the water both sailing and power boating.

Bill is survived by his children Steven Heika, Richard (Pat) Heika, William (Linda) Heika, Jr., Linda Heika, Patty (John) Maxbauer, James Heika, Michael (Melinda) Heika, Jeffrey (Katharine) Heika and Paul Heika. Also surviving are his grandchildren; Ricky, Nikki, Alex, Meredith, Katie and Victoria; and a great-grandson Harley as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters; Carol Ehrler and Marilyn Ehrler as well as a son Christopher Allen Heika.

A Wake honoring Bill will take place from 3pm until 8pm on Friday, December 28, 2018, at his home 3196 College Terrace Ct., Traverse City, MI 49684.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bill's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.