Elise Antoinette Heitmanek's Obituary
Elise Antoinette Heitmanek was born on December 30, 1965, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Robert Howell Heitmanek and Eleanore Antoinette Brunelli. As her father was in the Navy, Elise grew up all over—Japan, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, and Illinois.
Bob and Ellie had two more children, Elise's sister Cindy and her brother Jim. Their family loved the outdoors. They would regularly go camping, hunting, and fishing. Elise was adept at baiting a hook, tying flies, and drawing a bow. Every year, her family would go up to camp in Eastern Oregon with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. She kept this tradition when she had her own family.
After her senior year in Pleasant Hill, Elise attended classes at Lane Community College before enrolling at Oregon State University in the fall of 1985. She majored in English and French, with a minor in entomology. She also participated in fencing, putting together tournaments and eventually lettering in the sport. During this time in college, she met her future husband, Todd.
Elise was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December of 2004. Despite this diagnosis and its subsequent challenges, Elise always had a smile on her face. She maintained her faith in God and His love, and always looked for ways to share her light with others.
Elise passed away on August 18, 2021. She is survived by Todd and their four children: Genevieve (Jair) Palestino, Abigail (Matthew) Collins, Olivia Pettijohn, and Victor Pettijohn; as well as her brother and sister, and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
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