Eugene Bringaze Heid

Eugene Bringaze Heid, 63, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. He was born June 22, 1958, in Springfield, to Robert and Marion (Bringaze) Heid. Eugene married Mary Jane Bensko November 24, 1984, and they have one daughter, Jennifer (Brandon) Kissner and two adored grandchildren, Jackson and Lincoln Kissner. He retired from the Secretary of State, Division of Motor Vehicle Services in 2013.

Eugene was a graduate of Griffin High School where he spent many hours entertaining students and faculty alike. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports, movies and the Civil War, and was a natural born comedian. His deprecating sense of humor made him one of the funniest people in Springfield. One of his favorite activities was to watch SHG football while sitting on the opponents’ side, smoking a (forbidden) cigar. He was a storyteller extraordinaire and will always be remembered for his impressions of George Patton and John Wayne. He remained forever faithful to the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Pirates. He proudly wore one of his two Pirate uniforms to St. Louis Cardinals games. He never forgave St. Louis for trading Orlando Cepeda.

Eugene was a long-time member of Elks Lodge 158 and served in many offices including Exalted Ruler. He was a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  He looked forward to participating in the IL State Fair as security, for over 20 years.  He also was a devoted grandpa who volunteered at Little Flower Grade School as lunch time helper and entertainer.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Chris; and brothers-in-law, Mike Bensko and John Livingstone.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; daughter, Jennifer (Brandon) Kissner; grandchildren, Jackson and Lincoln Kissner; seven sisters, Lila (Steve) Antonacci, Marian (Steve) England, Bobbie (Dan) Pierro, Beth (Jim) LaFata, Katy (Mike) Broglin, Barb ((John) Livingstone, and Tessie (Danny) Rhodes, all of Springfield; and two brothers, Joe of Nashville, TN and Karl of Winona Lake, IN.

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Monday, July 19, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, beginning with an Elks Lodge 158 service.

Funeral Mass: 10 am, Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Church of the Little Flower with Reverend Allen Kemme officiating. Private burial will follow at St. Barbara’s Catholic Cemetery in Witt, IL.  Please contact family for reception details.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jackson and Lincoln Kissner Education Fund.

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