Willard Heimstra, age 90, passed away Nov 26th, 2009 at his family home in Monroe surrounded by his loved ones. Born January 22, 1919 in Britsom Netherlands, he was the son of the late Bertha deHaan and Willem Heimstra. He is survived by his daughter Mary Heimstra Orsillo, son-in-law Thomas Orsillo, and grandson Daniel Orsillo of Monroe, as well as two sisters Anne Verange and Rena Brown both of New Jersey. He was predeceased by his wife of 32 years Kathleen P.Heimstra, and a sister Gertrude Hallenbeck. Mr. Heimstra is also survived by Ruth C. Heimstra of Southbury. In addition, he leaves behind his longtime companion, Viola Sanford, and many nieces and nephews. A recent resident of Nunnawauk Meadows, Newtown, Mr. Heimstra was a lifelong carpenter-builder and woodcrafter. In his early years he worked on farms with his family and later was a horseman for the Golden’s Bridge Hounds in N.Y and Ffld County Hunt Club. Following his retirement from the State of CT, Mr. Heimstra won numerous local awards for his Amish wagon replicas and other crafts. A WWII Army Veteran in the South Pacific, he was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Stepney Volunteer Fire Dept, and a member of the choir at the Newtown United Methodist Church. He was a bowler and card player thru the Monroe and Newtown Senior Centers. Contributions in his memory in lieu of flowers may be made to Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Ct 06482 or The Leukemia- Lymphoma Society, CT Chapter, 372 Danbury Road, Suite 200 Wilton Ct 06897. A celebration of his life will take place at Newtown United Methodist Church on Tuesday Dec 1st at 11:00 am. Friends may call Monday Nov 30th, from 6-8pm and Tuesday Morning Dec 1st 9:00-10:30 am at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street Newtown. Interment in Stepney Cemetery will be private. To leave an online condolence go to www.honanfh.com.

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