Obituary for Ralph Heischman

Ralph Eugene Heischman, 92, Westerville, was welcomed by God on Monday, August 10, 2015. He was the middle son of Harley and Frances Gantz Heischman, who with two brothers, Theodore and his wife, Ruth, and James and his wife, Joan, and son-in law, Dannie Boetcher, preceded him in death. Ralph graduated from Westerville High School in the Class of 1940. His academic pursuit at Maryville College in TN was interrupted by military service in WWII. After a stint at Otterbein College, he graduated from Kent State University in 1948. For a number of years he was an account executive with the Jay Maish Advertising Agency in Marion, OH. He was one of the founders and first president of the Marion Town and Country Kiwanis Club. Later, he became market manager for Hercules Engines (White Corp.) in Canton, OH. He served as Deacon and Elder in the Marion Presbyterian Church and later, in the Reedurban Presbyterian Church, Canton, OH. While in Canton, he actively participated in an ecumenical group called FISH and was a team member of FAITH-AT-WORK. At age 47, he left the business world to attend Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Upon completion he was ordained a Presbyterian minister in the Reedurban Church in Canton. He served churches in Kentucky and Ohio as a full time pastor and later, he was interim pastor in the Scioto Valley Presbytery. A man of God, he preached The Word faithfully and passionately. He is survived by his much loved wife, Virginia, whom he married 68 years ago, and their three daughters Linda Boetcher, Ontario, OH, Mary Lou (Larry) Reed, Westerville, OH and Ann Bell, Sugar Mountain, NC. Grandchildren are Matt and Kris Geer, Zachary McMeen, Timothy (Lindsey), Benjamin (Allee) and Rebecca Bell. Two great grandchildren, Colton James Geer and Mitchell Steven Geer survive along with many nieces and nephews. Calling hour will be Friday, August 14, 2015, at 12:30 PM followed by the funeral service at 1:30 PM at HILL FUNERAL HOME. Zachary McMeen and members of the family will conduct the service. It will be a time of reflecting, sharing and praising God for Ralph’s life. Burial at Pioneer Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Country View of Sunbury and Gentiva Hospice for their loving and professional care during Ralph’s final weeks.