Keith W. Heiss, 88, died peacefully on Dec. 8. He lived in Newcastle for three years during which time he shared an independent living apartment with his wife, Barbara V. Heiss, at the Lincoln Home.
He was born in Detroit, Mich., served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, and went on to study engineering at the University of Michigan with support from the GI Bill. He was a building contractor for over 20 years, building residential homes and commercial facilities in Michigan.
In retirement, he traveled extensively with his wife and enjoyed scuba diving. He devoted much of his time to his passion for collecting and restoring reed organs, and became well-known for his expertise in this area. His collection, the largest private collection in the country at the time, was donated to the University of Michigan Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Sandra Thomas; sons, Kurt and Lance Heiss; grandchildren, Jesse Heiss, Amber Atwood, Nicole Keaton, and Eric Thomas; as well as five great-grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations in his name be made to the Stearns Collection, School of Music, University of Michigan, Stearns Building, 1100 Baits Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2075.
