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Heidemann, Philip Michael, 43 years of age, passed away on March 13, 2008 while assisting a fellow student during an environmental bird study. Tragically, the plane transporting them crashed on takeoff. He was a graduate student at Florida Atlantic University and had his bachelor's degree in economics from Grinnell University in Iowa. He was an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his long-time love, Pia Christensen; his step-children, Kenny, Corey and Kalee; his father, Paul Heidemann, his mother, Pauline Provenzano-Heidemann (predeceased); his brother, Pat (Liz) Heidemann; his sisters, Phyllis Heidemann and Pam (Tod) Albanese and many nieces and great-nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles. He will be reposing at the Kraeer Funeral Home, 1353 North Federal Highway on Sunday, March 16, 2008. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held Monday morning at 10 am. The Heidemann family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Wildlife Society, www.wildlife.org KRAEER FUNERAL HOME 1353 North Federal Highway Boca Raton, Florida 33432 (561) 395-1800 "He is due to be buried on St. Patricks Day. All toast to his beautiful soul. He will be truely missed" - ND
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John Condos
Good guy. Ran track together. He also ran with my younger brother Stav in the 400m relays. Fast runner and a very good hurdler. Sobering.His self written bio from Fl Atlantic University's web site below:
"graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa with a B.A. in Economics. Until last year, I spent most of my working life in finance and insurance. I worked in various capacities in the Accounts Payable Department at the world headquarters of Office Depot, Inc. here in Florida. I also endured a difficult six-year career in insurance, advancing finally to the position of Manager within the Claims Department of a Florida workers' compensation insurer. It was during my time in workers' compensation that I realized I was in the wrong field. After some self-evaluation, I determined that based on my interests I was most suited to a career in the biological sciences. I left my job and returned to school at FAU in the 2004-05 school year. I have now been admitted as a graduate student and will begin my M.S. in Biological Sciences program in fall 2005. I have recently worked on a study of the two crayfish species found in the Everglades, Procambarus alleni and P. fallax . This involved identifying samples by species and gender, and examining differences in spatial distribution, relative abundance, and habitat. I am currently working with Dr. Gawlik and others to develop a Landscape Suitability Index (LSI) for wood storks and white ibis in southwestern Florida. My thesis research will follow from this LSI project."
Lisa Strauss (Maketansky)
My love and deepest wishes for peace go out to Phil's wife and children as well as to the Heidemann family. - StraussJenna Satz (Braun)
I ran into Phil a few years ago. My daughter and his step daughter had soccer games one after the other on the same field. I walked up the bleachers and found a seat next to this adorable guy. He looked at me very matter of factly and said "Hi Jenna". I looked at him dumbfounded, couldn't place his face. He let me squirm for just a minute or two with a big smile on his face. Then he said, "We went to high school together". Finally, it hit me and I just felt embarrassed that it took me so long to remember him.He was warm, friendly, and so sincere. One of those people who was so grounded, you just knew you liked him instantly.
My condolences to Pia, their children, his family and friends.
John Li
I hadn't thought about high school for a long time, until the recent tragedy with Phil Heidemann.Phil was one of my best buddies when we were at PHS. We would talk forever, philosophizing about anything in his gold car that he got for a buck from one of his relatives.
He was always so fast as a runner. He could always kick my butt in a 100 yard dash. When we were in Chicago, many years after high school, we had a running race for old times sake... I finished second.
Then we moved to Florida -- and so did he. Phil Heidemann is the reason my left pectoralis major muscle is no longer attached to my arm bone. Phil drove the WaveRunner while he was towing me on water skis. Somebody was driving too fast that day, and somebody else was not smart enough to let go of the tow rope when he wiped out. Thus ended my days of powerlifting.
Phil's life tragically ended in an airplane accident not far from where I live. (Coincidentally where I used to rent airplanes from... )
His passing has made me think about all the people that were ever important to me.
I remember the times with Patrick Morrissey, & Rob M. -- making fun of each other.I remember times with the "Group". KM, RR, KC, KK, LJ, BJ, FH, NL, RC et.al
Time on earth is short... Glad y'all were in my life!
Maria Polito (Lukoskie)
Phil and I went to the Senior Prom together. We were friends throughout high school and had many long, indepth conversations. I don't know if many people remember their prom let alone the person they went with. But I will always remember our prom and the person that made it special for me. Thanks for the memories Phil!!