Phil H. Heidelk

Phil Henry Heidelk was born on October 28, 1931 to Ruby and Henry Heidelk in Fairbury, NE and passed away October 27, 2019 in Fairbury.

Phil was preceded in death by his niece, Judy Wagner, his sister, Joan Sulentic, and brother-in-law, Emil Sulentic.  He is survived by four nieces and nephews and their spouses:  Karen and Mike O’Brien of Omaha, NE, Bob and Susan Sulentic of Dallas, TX, Janet and Dan Shea of Wilbraham, MA, and Jim and Karen Sulentic of Council Bluffs, IA, as well as nephew-in-law Ron Wagner of Ankeny, IA; and many loving great-nieces and nephews.

Phil was an outstanding athlete, excelling in track in high school and at the University of Nebraska where he held records in the high jump.  He was the Big 7 Conference Champion in the high jump for 1948-57.  His friends all know of his lifelong skill as a golfer.  Throughout his adult life, Phil traveled America to play golf.  He was also a skillful hunter, and enjoyed fine rifles.

Phil served in the United States Air Force from 1955 through 1960 as a flight navigator, and attained the rank of First Lieutenant.  During training he saved another man from drowning in a river and received a citation for bravery.  Phil was inducted into the Masons at 21 years of age, sponsored by his dad.  After leaving the Air Force, he joined the Tangier Shrine in Omaha.  Following a long, successful career at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, Phil retired to Fairbury and joined the Sesostris Shrine in Lincoln.  He was a past president of the Pioneer Shrine Club and was invited into the ROJ, a rare honor among Shriners.  Phil was very active in fundraising throughout his time in Shriners, and was particularly proud of the care their hospitals provide to children.  His generous philanthropy was greatly appreciated by the Shriners and the Salvation Army.

Phil was a favorite among his nieces and nephews, who remember him as a fun and intelligent man who loved to read and to share family history.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and a ready, infectious laugh.  He grew up in the Great Depression and never took for granted the blessings he enjoyed in his life.  He was generous in many ways with his family, friends, and the organizations he served.  Phil was admired and respected, and is missed by all who loved him.

Services will be Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury.  Memorials will go to Sesostris Shriners  Hospital Transportation Fund.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.