Michael Patrick Heth

August 9, 1952 - June 11, 2007

Michael Patrick Heth 1952-2007 Michael Patrick Heth passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 6:30 Pm on June 11, 2007 at home after a yearlong battle with cancer. Michael was born on august 9, 1952 in Lompoc, Ca. to Rita (Burke) Heth and the late George Heth. He married Sheila (Engel) Heth on July 6, 1974 in Ottawa; she survives as well as their sons: Matthew (Jennifer) Heth of Cortland and Daniel Heth of Stevens Point, WI, two granddaughters Natalie and Audrey and Mimi the cat. Brothers and sisters include Kip (Ollie) Heth of Missouri, Lisa (Dennis) Coon of Wisconsin, Tim (Sherri) Heth of Peoria, Georgia (Jeff) Stohr of Ottawa and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Heth graduated from Ottawa High School in 1970 where he was active with ROTC and a very successful member of the debate team. He received an Associate degree from IVCC and Graduated from Illinois state university in 1974 with a BS in ED Degree. He received his master’s degree in Secondary Education Curriculum and Instruction in 1999 from Northern Illinois University. He had a further course of study in medicine and disease at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York. During his education career he wrote many curriculum units used in school districts across the state. Two of these received State awards in 1995 and 96 through the Illinois State Board of Education. He was especially proud of his hands on education component. Mr. Heth began his dedicated teaching career at Rankin High School in Rankin IL resurrecting the Theatre program. He worked for Pioneer Seed Company as an area foreman, Plant Superintendent, and Assistant Plant Manager. Michael and his wife also ran Heth Contract detasseling. He also worked for the Equitable Life Insurance Company earning many certifications. Before he became ill he taught Global Environment for IVCC. He took great pride in his student’s at Putnam County High School in Granville. He taught Biology, Environmental Science, Advanced Biology, English and Speech. He was the Theatre Director at PCHS. During his teaching career he and his wife directed over 70 musicals, fall productions and contest plays. His favorites included Camelot, The Music Man, Little Shop of Horrors, and Cinderella Waltz. A highlight for Michael and the students alike was when the musical Nunsense was chosen for All State Production in 1994. While at PC he directed the WYSE Team for the last 18 years with many students advancing to state and receiving numerous medals. For the last six years he coached the Environmental Program with students studying environmental issues and concerns and advancing to state 2 of the last 3 years. He was especially proud of Environmental Education Program with links to the Global Environment Course he taught for IVCC and the introduction of the Environmental Class at PC in 2004. He, his wife, and son Daniel painted the majority of the PC schools including the High School and Junior High Gyms. He was a member IEA, NEA, local president and recipient of the Silver Apple Award and a member of ASCAD. He was past member Optimist Club and longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Ottawa and was on the Environmental Committee at St. Louis Church in Princeton. He loved playing Euchre with the same group of close friends for 20 years. He began archaeology with father and continued that hobby with his family and students. He loved to fish with his family in Hayward, WI. He made the annual Sportsman’s Club trip to Canada for 17 years. He then introduced his PC students to the same wonderful experience for the last 3 years. Michael loved traveling with his devoted wife to North Captiva Island, Fl. To walk the endless beaches, Grand Marais, MN to search for agates and endless beauty, Georgian Bay, Ontario, Armstrong Redwood Forest, Corkscrew swamp, Italy and of course their backyard for peace and serenity. He was proud to say he had visited 34 states, but was dreaming to see more. He was most proud of his sons. He was a dedicated teacher. He was a devoted husband. He loved being a grandfather. He was preceded in death by George W. Heth, George L. Heth, Ruth E. Heth, Walter P. Burke, and Dora L. Burke. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 17, 2007 from 4-8 pm at Norberg memorial home in Princeton. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday June 18, 2007 at 10:00am at St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton. Memorials may be made to the family. To send an online condolence to the family you can go to www.norbergfh.com