Otto Heimann
Otto Kurt Heimann, affectionately known as Kurt and nicknamed “Buster,” passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his farm.
Kurt was the son of Otto and Laverne Heimann. He was born on Nov. 10, 1955, at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill. His parents raised him in Palatine, Ill, along with his only sister, Barb. It was there he formed lifelong friendships that became family, attended and graduated high school. Buster opened and owned his auto body shop, Sunset Auto Body and created a lifetime of love, adventure, friendship, and shenanigans.
Kurt was truly one of a kind. A master carpenter, auto body professional, and a flight attendant with United Airlines for 38 years, he lived a life full of talent, curiosity, and connection. He never met a stranger—he could talk to anyone. Charming, talkative, and endlessly knowledgeable, Kurt had an uncanny ability to fix almost anything, all while explaining it and making you laugh.
Kurt had an adventurous spirit, a voice unmistakably of his own, a pure heart, and an unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He was fiercely loyal, a true friend, and when you were with him, you were guaranteed a great time. He had a way of making people feel truly seen—locking eyes with you as if you were the only person in the room.
In June of 2000, Kurt became the devoted husband of Peggy Heimann and the love of her lifetime. The two met on a United flight from Dulles to Houston and always joked that like the movie “Jerry Maguire” he “had her at Hey How you Doin?” From that moment on, their lives were forever intertwined. After they married, they spent the next 25 years raising children, traveling, remodeling homes, antiquing, sharing adventures, laughter, deep friendship, and unforgettable memories.
In 2023, Kurt fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Michigan. There, he poured his heart and skill into restoring their historic 1873 farmhouse, transforming it into the beautiful home it is today. The farm he loved so deeply is now his final resting place.
Kurt was the proud and loving stepfather to Jahanna and (Tom) Wrobleski, Patrick and (Stephanie) Barrett, and Cealig and (Stephen) Rial, embracing each of them fully and loving them as his own.
He was a cherished grandfather, proudly known as “Papa” to Jackson Wrobleski, Jordan Anderson, Jacob Gillitzer, Jonny Gillitzer, Bailey Barrett, Patrick Barrett III, Flynn Barrett, Jace Wrobleski, Ciaran Barrett, Keenan Barrett, Isla Rial, and Mannon Rial, as well as Baby Barrett Rial, still in the womb. Being “Papa” was one of Kurt’s greatest joys, and he treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren.
Kurt was preceded in death by his mother and father, Otto and Laverne Heimann, of Palatine, Ill; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rayburn and Mary Lou Belcher of San Antonio, Texas; grandson, Jacob Gillitzer of Benson, Minn; and granddaughter Mannon Rial of Peoria, Ill.
Kurt is survived by his loving wife Peggy Heimann; children Jahanna (Tom) Wrobleski, Patrick (Stephanie) Barrett, Cealig (Stephen) Rial, Grandchildren Jackson Wrobleski, Jordan Anderson, Jonathan Gillitzer, Bailey Barrett, Patrick Barrett III, Flynn Barrett, Jace Wrobleski, Ciaran Barrett, Keenan Barrett, Isla Rial, and Barrett Rial, his only sister, Barbara (Gerry) Nell; his nephew, Scott Nell; great-niece and great-nephew, Sage and Grayson Nell; and his favorite aunt, Ruth Lochner.
Kurt made it clear that when he left this world, he wanted a celebration of laughter, stories, and togetherness.
A Celebration of Life honoring Otto Kurt “Buster” Heimann will be held on the following dates and locations:
- Michigan: January 17, 2026, at 11 a.m., Way of Christ Church, 2752 N. 34th Ave., Mears
- Palatine, Illinois: January 24, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., Rose Park, 530 S. William Ave., Palatine, Ill.
Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate a life lived fully.
Otto Kurt “Buster” Heimann will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered for the incredible life he lived and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.GraceCremations.
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