Received from Jeff Polles on Jan 22, 2010...as reported in United Airlines Pilot union newsletter.... ed.

        Kenneth R. Heidt, 46 of Lakewood, Ill. passed away on Monday, January 18, 2010 at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. He was born September 18, 1963 in Erie to Robert E. and Audrey C. Heidt. For the past 12 years, he was a pilot with United Airlines and previously was a broadcast engineer in charge with NEP Broadcasting for four years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. Serving as a pilot in the US Air Force, Kenneth flew EC-135 Looking Glass Missions. He was a veteran of the Gulf War and retired as Captain after 11 years of service. An Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America, he was recently a Cub Scout leader for Pack 127 and served as an Indian Princess Chief for Den 6. He was an Emmy Award winner for television coverage of the 2002 Winter Olympics. An avid mechanic, he was also a collector of Mustangs and vintage Griswold cookware. Survivors include his wife, Lenny Esther Heidt, whom he married October 10, 1995, in Panama City, Panama; children, Kelly Lynne and Robert James Heidt; father, Robert E. Heidt of Erie; brothers, Stephen R. Heidt of Fairview, Texas, William A. Heidt of Warsaw, Poland, John D. Heidt of Dusseldorf, Germany, and Paul E. Heidt of Manalapan, N.J.; and sisters, Beth A. Praskwiecz of Hurricane, W.Va., and Catherine H. Savvas of Brecksville, Ohio. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Teresa Jimenez and brother-in-law, Rafael Jimenez of Panama. He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey C. Heidt. The visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2010, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, Ill. The visitation will continue at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake Saturday morning, January 23, 2010, from 10 a.m.until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Msgr. Daniel Hermes will be the celebrant. Interment will be in Crystal Lake Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kenneth's name may be made to the benefit of his children's education. A fund will be established at a later date. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at davenportfamily.com. For information, 815-459-3411.