Mr. William R. "Bill" Heiland, age 79, of Brennan Rd., Ilion, entered into eternal rest on Monday evening, Feb. 12, 2007 in Faxton/St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford. He was born on July 5, 1927 in Ilion, son of the late Harry F. Heiland, Sr., and Thelma (Hadcock) Heiland and was educated in Ilion schools. On November 12, 1958, he was united in marriage with Glenis Shipman in the Episcopal Church, Ilion. Mr. And Mrs. Heiland has shared a blessed and devoted union of 48 years. A proud veteran of World War II, Bill served with the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on September 23, 1947. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and served with the following ships/stations: USS Oklahoma, USS LST, USS Lesuth, USS Chipola, ComFltAct, and the USNH. Bill was last employed with the Ilion Central School District as a custodian. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a life member of the Frankfort/Ilion VFW. In his earlier years, he enjoyed long drives with his wife and daughters especially to the St. Lawrence area and to Speculator Lake. He enjoyed catching up on world history and being surrounded by family and friends. Bill will be sadly missed by his loved ones. Survivors include his beloved wife Glenis at home; two loving daughters: Tamara J. "Tami" rice and husband Dana of Ilion and Laurie A. Heiland-Crouch and husband James also of Ilion; a sister: Jean Cioli of Melbourne, Fl.; his adored grandchildren: Christina Williams and husband Jeff, William Bellstedt, Janelle Crouch, Karl Rice, and Journey Crouch; a cherished great grandson: Syd Austin Williams; a beloved sister in law: Joyce Plumley of Herkimer and a nephew: David Heiland of Watervliet. He was predeceased by a brother: Harry F. "Fred" Heiland, Jr., and by his twin brother: David "Bud" Heiland. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 W. Street, Ilion, on Thursday, February 15, 2007 from 4-6 p.m. His funeral will commence at 6 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home on Thursday evening with the Rev. Thomas Trees, Rector of the Episcopal Church, Ilion, officiating. Bill will be laid to rest in Armory Hill Cemetery, in the spring, where full military honors will be accorded. Kindly consider memorial offerings to the Cedarville Ambulance; envelopes are available at the funeral home. Members of the Ilion/Frankfort VFW will conduct their service at 5:30 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.