Willard Toivo Heikkila

Willard Toivo Heikkila, 88, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, in his home in Pelican Pointe, Sebastian, Florida.

Willard was born April 19, 1935, in Bovey, Minnesota to Toivo and Elma (Wirta) Heikkila. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marlene (Lepper) Heikkila.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed internationally in Stuttgart, Germany. He always added that Elvis Presley served there at the same time. He then attended Michigan Tech University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering.

After his marriage to Marlene on June 27, 1959, Willard was hired by Corning Glass Works, for whom he worked as an engineer for 31 years. His employment involved extensive travel with the family. Living in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and overseas:   Bombay (Mumbai), India and Sao Paulo, Brazil in the 1970's. After returning to Corning, NY, the family landed in Big Flats, NY for 44 years. Willard and Marlene continued his travel for Corning and lived in Seoul, South Korea for a year.

Willard was active with the Corning Lions Club, serving a term as president. He was also involved in the Elks Club and a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Horseheads, NY.

In his retirement years, Willard built a two-story barn on his property in which he re-built a 1934 Ford V8 pickup. He was a hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He and Marlene travelled throughout the country camping with their Airstream. In 1998, they became "snowbirds" in Sebastian, FL, becoming permanent residents in 2020.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene (Lepper) Heikkila of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and John Kehoe of Vero Beach, Florida; his son Michael Heikkila of Vestal, NY and Carol Heikkila of Greer, SC; five grandchildren: Sarah Kehoe, Steven Kehoe, Patrick (Kiera) Heikkila, Paul Heikkila, Kim Heikkila and two great-grandchildren, Ayden and Eli Heikkila. He is also survived by sisters Helen (Gary) Total, and Judi (John) McClellan, many extended family members and friends.

He will always be remembered for his easy smile.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, February 3rd, 2024, at Seawinds Funeral Home, 735 S Fleming St., Sebastian, FL 32958, with a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be directed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Vero Beach, Florida.