HERKIMER - Erwin F. Heidel, 97, of West German Street, beloved husband of the late Lydia Wickwier Heidel, passed away on Tuesday morning, Oct. 28, 2008, after an extended stay in Valley Health Services Inc. He was born on Oct. 21, 1911, in Herkimer, son of the late Charles and Alma Kelley Heidel. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. For many years he was employed by the Remington Arms Company in Ilion, Normans Home Improvement and off and on for the County of Herkimer, retiring in 1980. All who knew Erwin knew his greatest joy in life was his music. Through the years he was an accomplished musician and played with many local area bands as well as being known for being the organist at the Alexander Hamilton Inn in Clinton. He had a strong belief in God and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer/Little Falls. Mr. Heidel will always be remembered as a down-to-earth person with a quiet, gentle manner. Any conversation with him left you with a feeling of warmth and friendship towards him. A friend to many he will never be forgotten. He is survived by his brother, C. Wayne Heidel and his wife Rachel of Herkimer; two nephews, the Rev. Brad Eaking of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Bruce Eaking of Florida. Besides his parents and wife Lydia, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Teresa Eaking and Alberta Heidel. A graveside funeral service will be conducted for Mr. Heidel in the Ohio Cemetery, town of Ohio, at a later time convenient to the family. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., Herkimer. Loading commenting interface...