Aug.
25, 1937 - Jan. 7, 2010SOUTH BEND - Aloysius "Al" Heet, 72, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at 6:55 p.m. after a long battle with cancer. He was born August 25, 1937, to the late Henry Heet and Alvina (Schroeder) Heet, who survives. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Frank Heet. On October 7, 1967, he married Dorothy Dragan, who survives. Also surviving are six brothers, Robert of South Bend, Thomas (Jayne) of Plymouth, Joseph (Marcella) of Donaldson, IN, Lawrence (Alanna) of Plymouth, Michael (Tess) of Huntington, IN, and Anthony of Plymouth; two sisters, Mary (Dennis) Manuwal of Plymouth and Theresa (Charles) Salach of Plymouth. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Al attended grade school and high school in Plymouth and received his master's degree in business at IUSB. He served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Heidelburg, Germany. He was employed by the South Bend Medical Foundation for 35 years, first as a medical technologist and later, after receiving his business degree, as the medical foundation's purchasing manager. Al's hobbies were many, but mostly he enjoyed flying, sailing, fishing, woodworking and gardening. He and his wife took many "flying vacations" around the U.S. in their small Beechcraft, often taking a nephew or two along to enjoy and share the experience. He attended the "Wooden Boat School" in Maine and was building his third wooden boat at the time of his death. He and his wife had a small plot of ground ("The Farm') where he loved spending time gardening. They raised many vegetables, most of which they gave away to family and friends. As president of the Rum Village Neighborhood Assn., he worked hard, taking a sincere interest in his community. Al was also very active in his church, serving as president of the Pastoral Council of Our Lady of Hungary for many years, resigning recently because of his health. He was instrumental in starting the Scholarship Fund at Our Lady of Hungary School, through which many students have profited. He was a kind and gentle man who will be missed by all who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in Our Lady of Hungary Church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-8 Monday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hungary School or Church. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website www.zahoran.com.