passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Monday, October 4, 2021.
Charles was born in Hungary on July 29th 1933, attended the Budapest Institute of Technology graduating with a masters degree in engineering specializing in Internal Combustion Engines. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 to escape the oppression of communism.
He settled in St. Louis to join relatives. Here, he met the love of his life, also born in Hungary, Helen. They’ve been married for 63 years and have two children, Thomas Heizer and Hedy Heizer Gahn.
A gifted and brilliant engineer, Charlie landed a job with Carter carburetor designing the first float less carburetor. In 1962, he applied his talent to medical science and was instrumental in the design of one of the first heart-lung bypass machines at the Mayo Clinic. Of course, being filled with entrepreneurial spirit, it didn’t take long for him to form his own company. Charlie is a founder of Heizer Aerospace as well as Heizer Defense. He holds multiple patents and has designed and manufactured numerous aircraft parts for leading aircraft producers, the military, and even the space shuttle. He consistently proved those who thought it couldn’t be done wrong, and lived by the motto of persistence.
Charlie lived a full life. He had many recreational diversions including motorcycle racing. In fact, while in college, he was the motorcycle racing champion of Hungary. After moving to the United States, he was an avid motocross racer. He would attend motorcycle events with his wife Helen as well as their children. In time, his interest turned to aviation and he became an avid pilot. He is certified in fixed wing multi engine aircraft , turbo prop, jets, as well as helicopters. Charlie enjoyed travel as well as spending time with his family at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Charlie was loved and adored by many and dearly missed by all. He is survived by his dear wife Helen, his children Thomas Heizer (Artemisa), and Hedy Heizer Gahn(Rick), his grand children Karina, Brandon, Ryan, Carolina(Cole), Sofia, great grandchild Rowan, brother Joseph Heizer.
SERVICES: Visitation Wednesday, October 6, 2021 10:00 a.m. until service 1:00 pm Kutis AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. (St. Louis). In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Tom and Hedy
So sorry to hear of your fathers’ passing, he will be missed immensely. I was in awe of the stories he told of his career, family and his recreational endeavors
Tom and Hedy
So sorry to hear of your fathers’ passing, he will be missed immensely. I was in awe of the stories he told of his career, family and his recreational endeavors
To the entire Heizer family my deepest sympathy for your loss. Charlie took a chance on me as a fresh Engineering graduate and gave me my first job. I always say I learned more in that tenure than any other position I have held. I will always be grateful to Charlie for all I learned from him. Again I am very sorry for your loss.
To the entire Heizer family my deepest sympathy for your loss. Charlie took a chance on me as a fresh Engineering graduate and gave me my first job. I always say I learned more in that tenure than any other position I have held. I will always be grateful to Charlie for all I learned from him. Again I am very sorry for your loss.
Prayers being said for Mr. Heizer and for his loving family. One of God’s greatest gifts is the gift of Memory. Hold dear those memories in your hearts. He is still with you all, but just in a different dimension. Sending my deepest sympathy.
Prayers being said for Mr. Heizer and for his loving family. One of God’s greatest gifts is the gift of Memory. Hold dear those memories in your hearts. He is still with you all, but just in a different dimension. Sending my deepest sympathy.
I worked for Charlie and Joe in the early 1970’s and the 4 years at United Engineering Co. were some of the most interesting of my career. Lost track of them over the years but do remember the world of aerospace engineering sales and the expertise of both; also some great hunting trips to Colorado.
I worked for Charlie and Joe in the early 1970’s and the 4 years at United Engineering Co. were some of the most interesting of my career. Lost track of them over the years but do remember the world of aerospace engineering sales and the expertise of both; also some great hunting trips to Colorado.
I remember a very kind, generous, and hard working man. Thank you God for so many nice people I’ve been fortunate to know in life, and Mr. Heizer was certainly one of them. Prayers to Charlie’s family, and may his strong & thoughtful soul always be at peace with God.
I remember a very kind, generous, and hard working man. Thank you God for so many nice people I’ve been fortunate to know in life, and Mr. Heizer was certainly one of them. Prayers to Charlie’s family, and may his strong & thoughtful soul always be at peace with God.
Brandon, I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. I will keep you and your family in my prayers that God will ease the pain.
Brandon, I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. I will keep you and your family in my prayers that God will ease the pain.
I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I also started my career at United Engineering and learned so much. So, many memories through the years. So many great stories. Our condolences for your loss.
I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I also started my career at United Engineering and learned so much. So, many memories through the years. So many great stories. Our condolences for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss ..sending prayers to the entire Heizer Family..
I am so sorry for your loss ..sending prayers to the entire Heizer Family..
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was an amazing man with a lot of great stories. I will be praying for you all.
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was an amazing man with a lot of great stories. I will be praying for you all.
Our neighbor at the lake for 25 years. He was a saint. His family and ours bonded in a quite but wonderful way. RIP and say hi to Dad! He loved you.
Our neighbor at the lake for 25 years. He was a saint. His family and ours bonded in a quite but wonderful way. RIP and say hi to Dad! He loved you.
Mrs. Heizer, Tom & Hedi and the whole family
Since 7 years old, I’ve grown up with your family. I’ve known your dad as a child and as an adult. Thinking back on all the wonderful memories of Charlie makes me only smile and laugh. He had such a unique and funny sense of humor.
So sorry for your loss . Sending my prayers
I love you all
Mrs. Heizer, Tom & Hedi and the whole family
Since 7 years old, I’ve grown up with your family. I’ve known your dad as a child and as an adult. Thinking back on all the wonderful memories of Charlie makes me only smile and laugh. He had such a unique and funny sense of humor.
So sorry for your loss . Sending my prayers
I love you all
Charles was the smartest person I ever met. His brilliant mind was capable of solving the most complex problems, and he will forever be an important part of the history of the aerospace industry.
I’m proud to have worked with him and learned so much.
On behalf of my Family, thank you Charles for everything.
God bless you
Antonio/ Sandra/ Gabriela and Isabela
Charles was the smartest person I ever met. His brilliant mind was capable of solving the most complex problems, and he will forever be an important part of the history of the aerospace industry.
I’m proud to have worked with him and learned so much.
On behalf of my Family, thank you Charles for everything.
God bless you
Antonio/ Sandra/ Gabriela and Isabela