Kermit Keith William Heid

Kermit Keith William Heid was born March 31, 1933 to William and Alma Carson Heid in Massbach, Illinois and passed away on December 13, 2021.

Kerm attended a one-room country grade school in Massbach. He graduated from Elizabeth High School after lettering in basketball and baseball. Immediately after graduation Kerm enlisted in the Air Force and served 4-1/2 years, the latter part as member of an RB-36 flight crew. He attended the University of Illinois and received a BS in Electrical Engineering with honors, followed by an MS in Engineering. During his career in the microelectronics industry, he authored a number of technical publications and was granted a patent. After retiring he received the Daniel C. Hughes, Jr. Award from the International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics.

Kerm was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998 and after his treatment became an ardent advocate for this cause. At the age of 68, he completed a solo transcontinental bike ride for prostate cancer awareness; he organized a number of car shows (Cruisin' for a Cure) as fundraisers; and he was instrumental in establishing Utah’s special license plate for prostate cancer. Kerm was a member of the National Patient Advocate Foundation's President's Elite Council; he was a founding member and treasurer of the National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions. He received the Harmon J. Eyre Award from the American Cancer Society and was an ACS Irwin Goodman Fellow.

Kerm was the proud father of 6 children: Kevin, Karen, Kenneth, Kristina, Jennifer and Keith who have blessed him with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 23 years Noreen Harle Heid and his sister Nita Duerr, his children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.