Rainier Memorial Center

Michael Wayne Heironimus

Michael Heironimus

Michael Wayne Heironimus, 69, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital, Yakima, WA after a brief illness of lung sarcoma.

Mike was born in Yakima to Henry J. and Opal Heironimus on September 23, 1947. He attended Ahtanum Valley Grade School and graduated from West Valley High School in 1965.

After graduation, Mike entered the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division of the Screaming Eagles. He served his country from 1967-1969 in Vietnam and was Honorably discharged as a SP/5 with a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, The Army Commendation Medal, and several other service medals.

Mike was employed at the Yakima Air Terminal, Maintenance Department, retiring in 2013 after 32 years of employment. He spent many hours mowing infields, doing runway checks, and endless hours of plowing snow each winter.
 
He was a Lifetime member of the VFW Post #379 and also of the Ahtanum Valley Cruisers car club. Mike’s passions in life were hot rods, drag racing, occasional fishing, golfing and hunting. His pride and joy was his red and white ‘55 Chevy Del Ray 210, and he has a large collection of trophies, plaques and ribbons from attending many car shows around the Northwest. He also collected neon beer signs and was a true photo buff, leaving boxes and boxes of pictures to sort through. He was a very kind and generous person, and would give the shirt off his back to help others. Mike never met a stranger. He was an avid sports enthusiast – a true Huskies, Mariners, Seahawks, Gonzaga basketball, and NASCAR fan.
 

Mike is survived by his mother, Opal Heironimus of Union Gap; brothers Robert (Glenda) Heironimus of Yakima; Howard Heironimus of Clatskanie, Oregon; five nieces and a nephew; his favorite aunt, Myrtle Hagar; and a long time friend, Jean Thomason (aka Blondie). He is preceded in death by his father, Henry J. Heironimus; sisters Mary Desallier and Linda Owens; and a brother Bill Heironimus.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Wiley Union Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at West Hills Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by the funeral team of VFW Post #379. Luncheon to follow at the Post.

Mike’s request was to have his final day as a “blue jean and t-shirt” day, so feel free to join the family in a very casual farewell. So, now it is time to “fly like an Eagle” and join your fellow comrades and family. RIP, Mikie!


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