Colonel Donald L. Heiliger (USAF Ret.)

MCFARLAND/STOUGHTON/MADISON-Colonel Donald L. Heiliger (USAF ret.), age 79, of McFarland, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at Wm. S. Middleton Veterans Hospital. Don was born in Madison on Jan. 16, 1937, the son of the late James and Marjorie (Anderson) Heiliger. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1954 and UW-Madison in 1958 majoring in accounting and receiving an Air Force ROTC commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, later earning a master's degree in Latin American studies from George Washington University. Don was a navigator and fighter pilot, flying the F-105 Thunderchief. In 1967, while piloting his 44th combat mission in the Vietnam War, he was shot down and spent five years and nine months as a Prisoner-of-War. As a prisoner at the "Hanoi Hilton", Don is fondly remembered by his fellow POWs for his love of music. After his return to freedom in 1973, Don married church organist and teacher Cheryl Kay Edwards on Dec. 22nd. Don accepted diplomatic assignments as U.S. Air Force Attaché to Uruguay, Chile and Israel, also serving as chief of the International Affairs Division in the Pentagon. Don and family moved back to Wisconsin in 1987 after retirement. With a passion for public service, he was elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors for 12 years and as Clerk of the Township of Dunkirk. He was appointed to the State Board of Veterans Affairs and Madison Area Technical College Board of Trustees. Faith was very important to him and in recent years, Don enjoyed serving on the Evangelical Lutheran Synod Board of Trustees and the Christian Service Board. Don was a member of Stoughton Rotary, American Legion Post No. 59, and VFW Post No. 328. Don is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; six children, James (Nancy) of Columbus, Ohio, Barrie (Scott) King of Dayton, Ohio, Leslie (Terry) Carroll of Columbus, Ohio, Donald Jr. (Shannon) of New York City, Daniel (fiancé, Tarah) of Madison and David (Christina) of Milwaukee; six grandchildren, Stephen, Michael, Kelsie (Sean) O'Hanlon, Samantha King, Alex King and Grayson; mother-in-law, Charlotte Edwards; and many other family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; and father-in-law, Robert Edwards. The family thanks the wonderful staff at the VA Hospital for many years of compassionate care. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 28, 2016. On Sunday, March 27, 2016, American Legion Post No. 59 will Pass and Review at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison at 4 p.m., with visitation to follow until 7 p.m. Another visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Burial with military honors will be after the service at Roselawn Memorial Park. If desired, memorials may be given to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Stoughton Area Veterans Memorial Park, or Evangelical Lutheran Synod, causes close to Don's heart.