HEASER, Jr. Col. William J., age 94

Died: Sunday, December 28th, 2014

Memorial Service: 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minneiska, MN with The Reverend Father William Kulas officiating

Visitation: will be one hour prior to service at the church

Interment: will be held at a later date

Col. William J. Heaser, Jr. U.S. Army (Ret.), age 94, died peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2014 surrounded by family at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls, WI after suffering a stroke on Christmas morning.

We have lost another of the "Great Generation" who tirelessly served and never complained. He was born on August 29, 1920 to the late William J. and Susan (Boltz) Heaser in Minneiska, MN. He graduated from Winona High School in 1938 and from the University of MN with high distinction in 1943. On April 3, 1943 he married Gwendolyn A. Ward in Minneiska.

He had tremendous love for his family, country, and the outdoors. He walked paths all over this world holding hands with his wife and enjoyed family at his side. He was generous, thoughtful and kind. His love of life and the outdoors was instilled in all his children. Bill was a dynamic and caring leader in both his military career and with his family.

He enlisted in the Army July, 1942 and entered active duty in April, 1943. He attended OCS at Camp Davis, NC and was commissioned a 2nd LT May, 1944. He and Gwen decided to make the Army a career and she accompanied him on military postings, except Korea. Col. Heaser served 31 years active duty; first as Enlisted and then 30 years as a Commissioned Officer. The highlights of his career included: serving as the Adjutant and Educational Officer of the Tokyo, Japan Military Government Team following WWII (2 years); missile student and instructor at Ft. Bliss, TX (5 years); he started the first guided missile school in the Royal Canadian School of artillery in Picton Ontario, Canada (2 years); he commanded the Cleveland, OH 90 mm, Nike Ajax and Hercules Nuclear Tipped Guided Missile program in defense of major U.S. cities (3 years); he was Chief of the Missile Division of the U.S. Army Research and Development Command that developed the Patriot Missile system (2 years); he served as the United Nations Command Representative in Panmunjom, Korea, meeting daily with North Korean representatives to carry out terms of 1953 Armistice Agreement between the two armies (14 months); he was the Army member of the National Briefing Team that met with and briefed Attorney General Robert Kennedy before and during the Cuban Missile Crisis; and he was Operations Officer for NATO's guided missile air defense of western Europe (3 years).

Col. Heaser received many awards and recognitions throughout his military career. Some of these were: the Legion of Merit with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with two Bronze Star Devices, Korean Service Ribbon, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.

Col. Heaser retired from the U.S. Army in 1974 and returned to Minneiska where he served on the City Council and later as Mayor. In 2006, he and Gwen moved to Duluth, MN to be near their daughter and family. Col. Heaser was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minneiska, the Disabled American Veterans, the Retired Officers Association, and the American Legion.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Gwen; children, William (Marilyn) Heaser of Minnieska, Susan (Dennis) Jensen of Duluth, and Maj. Rich Heaser (significant other Lavernne) of Jim Falls, WI; cherished grandchildren, Dawn Hacker, Donna (Rick) Stramer, MSG Kyle W. (Anene) Jensen, Kara (Solomon) Witherspoon, Kevin (Jamie) Jensen, Capt. (P) Rick (Amber) Heaser, TSgt Robert (Noel) Heaser and Jack Heaser; 16 great grandchildren; 6 great, great grandchildren; brother, Ralph Heaser; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by eleven siblings and great-grandson, Kaine Krieger.