Bernard Michael Heike

SPRING HILL - In loving memory of devoted husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, and Papa Bernard Michael Heike. Bernie passed on February 12, 2024 due to complications of vascular dementia. He was born to Michael and Loretta Heike on June 17, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife of 53 years Grace, his daughter April, son-in lawFrank, and his grandson Luke. He was joined from afar by his grandson Jared, who read to him as he transitioned, and his sisters-in-law Mary Ann, Kathy, and Jo Ellen, as well as his brother-in-law Jerry. Bernie was full of life and sass, cracking jokes until the very end. Bernie loved many things, but none more than golf, the Detroit Lions, and his grandsons. Bernie was proud of his time served with the United States Coast Guard. Bernie was an engineer at Ford Motor Company for the majority of his life and was given that title despite not having a college education (yes, he was that brilliant). He designed many features you still enjoy in the cars and trucks you drive today. He retired to Tucson, Arizona where he lived for over 20 years enjoying that dry heat and the myriad of golf courses. In August of 2020, Bernie suffered 4 consecutive strokes which led to his dementia. In 2021 he moved to Tennessee to be closer to his daughter and grandsons. Despite his dementia, Bernie never lost his sense of humor, his ability to capture us with his storytelling, or love for his family. We continued to create amazing memories with him until the very end. Bernie’s spirit and zest for life will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We will have a private celebration of life for Bernie this spring with close family members. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to The Dementia Society of America at https://www.dementiasociety.org/ or Angela Hospice at https://angelahospice.org/donate/