W. Heggen

Wilhelm Gregor Heggen of Bridgman passed away on Friday August 17, 2012 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Thursday, August 23 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 3903 Lake Street, Bridgman, with Father Arthur Howard as Celebrant. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, from 6-8 PM, where a Rosary will be offered at 7 PM. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Mr. Heggen was born March 12, 1926 in Paderborn, Germany the son of Wilhelm and Albertine (Wenge) Heggen. On July 19, 1962 he married Anneliese Schluer. He was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bridgman. Gregor immigrated from Germany on October 13, 1953. In 1954 he began a 40 year teaching career at the University of Chicago. He reintroduced a German curriculum in the University of Chicago High School. He started the first post WWII student exchange program for high school students with Germany. In 1957 he developed a German program for elementary school starting in the third grade.

Survivors include his son - Kevin Heggen of Chicago; daughter - Raphaela (Graham) Ades of Thailand; grandchildren Lauren, Samantha; his extended family through the church and dear friend - James Albert (Connie) Plukas of Bridgman and their children, Jessica, Michael and Jim Jr, and Martin Reinelt of Bridgman and his children, Tyler and Sarah; sister - Gertrud Heggen of Germany.

Gregor was also preceded in death by a sister, Albertine Siemen.