Alois "Al" L. Heiligenstein

Alois “Al” Heiligenstein of Wentzville MO, was born in Freeburg IL, May 15th, 1932, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2025 at the age of 92. Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 66 years, Roselyn “Rose” Heiligenstein just this past spring. Loving father and father-in-law of Mary (Dave) Grelle, Jim (MaryJill) Heiligenstein, Dave (Janet) Heiligenstein, Tom Heiligenstein, Mike (Leah) Heiligenstein, Matt Heiligenstein (Julie Sutter). Dear Grandfather of Sarah (Nick) Lehmann, Rachel (Billy) Burns, Emily (Andy) Thro, Alyssa Grelle, Matt Grelle, John (Frannie) Heiligenstein, Michael Alois Heiligenstein (deceased), Joe Heiligenstein, MaryBeth (Will) Faust, Jake Heiligenstein, Nick Heiligenstein, Katie (Jake) Hemphill, Nate Heiligenstein, Andrew (Lauren) Heiligenstein, Paul (Renae) Heiligenstein, Adam (Natalie) Heiligenstein, Kayla Heiligenstein, Sam (Ashleigh) Heiligenstein, Julia (Jesse) Wallen, Josy Heiligenstein, Charlie Heiligenstein, and Auggie Heiligenstein. Dearest Great Grandfather of 22; Olivia, Ben, Brooke, Luke, Theo, Isla, Maren, Charlie, Claire, Tommy, JoJo, Johnny, Mady, Adi, Crosby, Jillian, Wade, Alan, Jack, Evan, Ella, Otto, with another great grandbaby on the way this year. Al was a beloved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend to many.

Al was preceded in death by his loving parents Adolph and Eleanora (nee Sintzel) Heiligenstein, his brother Vincent Heiligenstein, his sister Bernadette (Vincent) Kimutis (nee Heiligenstein), and dear grandson Michael Alois Heiligenstein.

Al was a man of strong Catholic faith who was raised in Freeburg IL. Although his family was small, a brother and a sister, he and Rose were blessed with a large family that continues to grow; 50+ and counting. Al attended Freeburg High School where he played basketball and baseball all four years. He attended St. Louis University from 1950 to 1954 when he joined the army and was stationed in Verdun France in hospital admissions. He returned home in 1956, finished his business degree from SLU in 1957, started his career at McDonnell Douglas as an Engineering Planner and married his high school sweetheart Rose “Dolly” Becker. They moved to Florissant MO in 1958 where they raised their 6 children. He and Rose immediately joined St. Ferdinand parish where their kids started their Catholic education. Al became Cub Master for the cub scouts of the parish. Al found time to continue his education by getting his Masters in Business Administration on nights and weekends at St. Louis University. With the birth of their 5th child, they moved to St. Angela Merici where they immersed themselves into the parish. Al created a new cub scout troop for the boys in the parish and he coached basketball and baseball for his sons’ teams. As his children were getting ready for high school, Al took a second job as a real estate agent so that all of his children could go to Catholic high school; Catholic education was always Al and Rose’s priority. Due to his passion and love of sports and Catholic education, he was the driving force behind the remodeling of the gym at Rosary High School and in the creation of the Booster Club. After 30+ years at McDonnell Douglas, Al became a Financial Planner at Waddell & Reed where he worked until he retired at 72. In 1998, Al and Rose moved to their final parish, St. Patrick - Wentzville, where they again jumped in and got involved with many parish activities. Al was on the building committee for the new gym and additions to the school. He became an officer in the St. Patrick Knights of Columbus 10154 chapter and was actively involved in their activities. Al loved his family and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Always in the stands and always vocal and engaged in their activities. He loved watching high school sports at St. Dominic and the Billikens and the Cardinals from his sunroom at their Wentzville home. He took great pride in his lawn, his garden, and his trees; mainly pin oaks. When Al and Rose sold their home in Wentzville, they lived at Twin Oaks at Heritage Point where they met some wonderful new friends. They enjoyed their time there until Rose suddenly passed away in April of 2024. The family would like to thank the staff at The Cottages of Lake St. Louis for their kindness and compassion in their care of Al during the last months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick Catholic School or St. Dominic High School in support of Catholic education. 

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville.

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