In loving memory of

Franz Joseph Heigemeir
January 3, 1930 - September 10, 2018

Franz Heigemeir, 88, of Rifton, NY, died suddenly on Monday, September 10, 2018 at Health Alliance Hospital of Kingston, NY. Born January 3, 1930, in Stuttgart, Germany, he was the son of the late Franz and Rosa Heigemeir. Upon coming to the United States, Franz served in the US Army from 1954 through 1956. He was a graduate of the Kunstschule Augsburg, Germany, and was a renowned local artist, calligrapher, and graphic designer, who exhibited extensively in the Hudson Valley and beyond, including at the National Academy of Design (NYC), the Harvard Law Library, the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum, and the Uptown Gallery of Kingston. He taught calligraphy and graphic design at numerous colleges in the area, and designed and built his own home. He was a lifetime member of the Woodstock Art Association, and a member of the Art Society of Kingston. He was the recipient of many awards, including the Sidney Laufman Award and the Yasuo Kuniyoshi Award. He was also a longtime member of the Kingston Maenner und Damenchor.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Marianne Rima (Korn), and two sons, Stephen and Raymond. He is also survived by siblings Egon Heigemeir, Martina Bock, and Leonhard Heigemeir, and numerous nieces and nephews in Germany. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Noodles.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Keyser Funeral Home, 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, NY, where a memorial visitation will be held on Friday September 14 from 4pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Town of Esopus Rescue Squad, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, or the Ulster County SPCA. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserFuneralService.com

Tributes

George and Camille (Cami) Fischer wrote on Feb 8, 2019:

"To Marianne and Family?I just learned last week, of Franz, suddenly passing away LAST SEPTEMBER !!! I could not believe that I did not know of this immediately, or sooner! We do not subscribe to the Freeman News paper, here in New Paltz, and though we have been to the ASK (Art Society of Kingston) just a few times over the last 6 months, Vindora, (Director) did not speak of Franz to us, as it did not come up in the busyness of the art activity. We had not been seeing Franz and Marianne lately. We met most regularly at the art openings but knew Marianne was not doing too well and thought to come out on dark nights was most likely a reason not to attend. And Christmas card exchanges did not happen, (as the last 30 years) we thought, maybe a tradition that had seen its last?postage and all! It wasn?t until meeting a new acquaintance that I learned she also took lessons in Calligraphy with Franz?and she told me of Franz passing! I can?t believe we did not know, or attended the funural! I was a student of Franz and over the years became colleagues and friends. My husband George bought, and still has, a rowboat Franz owned. It now dwells permanently, with a permit, on the Rondout Reservoir and just last summer used when our family from Idaho had a reunion here and took it out for fishing. We meant to mention this, the next time we saw Franz! We are just so saddened now. Marianne and family too must be devestated! Franz was the ?loveliest? of men, mentor, model, magnificent artist-calligrapher?and MORE! In his honor and memory we are making a donation (with IBM matching grant, George?s employment retired), to ?Arts Mid-Hudson?. The Obituary, suggested other organizations, but I recall, that one of the nicest pieces of art work Franz did, (and won, as it was a contest), was the design of the Ulster County Arts Council Logo, when this was a newly-formed New York art-assistance-funding-recipient group. Art Mid-Hudson, no longe benefits with New York assistance but is a resource for our local surrounding area. The name Franz Heigemeir should be honored and remembered as a founding leader of Art and Beauty, that helped bring about our area being recognized as an Art and Cultural destination! Thank you for our friendship and your life in the Mid Hudson Valley! ? George and Camille (Cami) Fischer."

Greene Family wrote on Sep 24, 2018:

"Please accept my family?s heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear loved one Mr.Heigemeir. May you find comfort in fond memories of him, and hope in God?s promise to shortly restore those asleep in death to perfect life on a paradise Earth."

Cynthia Craig wrote on Sep 21, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cynthia (Neumann) Craig"

William Dodd wrote on Sep 21, 2018:

"Marianne and family, I am so sorry to hear about Franz. When he came in the Post Office he always had a smile on his face and a kind word in his heart. I will miss him very much. May God send his love to comfort you at this time. Bill Dodd...Retired Rifton Postmaster"

Barbara (Bruening) McEvoy wrote on Sep 15, 2018:

"Marianne, Stephen & Ray. I am so very sorry to hear about Franz. I don?t get the newspaper and unfortunately my Dad only told me this morning, or I would have paid my respects last night. Franz was a very special and talented person. I can remember family get togethers when we were young and all other occasions. He truly will be missed. Love and hugs"

Wolfgang Bock wrote on Sep 15, 2018:

"Dear Ray and Steve, we are devastated about the sad news and are so sorry about your loss. We are with you in our hearts.. Wolfgang and family "

Detlef wrote on Sep 14, 2018:

"I'm so sorry to hear that, I just met Franz two times, but he was a outstanding personality. Thoughts and Prayers for You and Your family from Detlef /Germany (husband from your niece Angelika) "

Detlef wrote on Sep 14, 2018:

"I'm so sorry to hear that, I just met Franz two times, but he was a outstanding personality. Thoughts and Prayers for You and Your family from Detlef /Germany (husband from your niece Angelika) "

Craig Wiltse wrote on Sep 13, 2018:

"Steve Sorry for Loss, Thoughts and Prayers for You and Your family"

Jim Connor wrote on Sep 13, 2018:

"Steve you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers Jim And Kathy"

Cliff Christiana wrote on Sep 13, 2018:

"I'm so sorry to here Frank passed, he was always a good man to talk with and always up beat, i know he will be missed by all who knew him ! Love ya Frank. Cliff Christiana"

Gene Brackle wrote on Sep 12, 2018:

"Marianne, Sorry 4 your loss. Thoughts & Prayers 2 U & Family."

Jami Anson wrote on Sep 11, 2018:

"Franz... he is the reason I am a Director of Development. He was one of my loved teachers that I learned so much from. Thank you Franz and I so blessed that we connecred recently. Jami"