Community Corner

Heil Family Plans Memorial Service For Parents

The family of White Bear Lake couple Gerald and Barbara Heil, presumed lost in the Costa Concordia cruise ship accident, revealed Tuesday plans for a memorial service to honor the only Americans to die in the tragedy.

As news of the conclusion of the dramatic rescue, then recovery attempts around the Costa Concordia wreckage was handed down Tuesday, the family of the only Americans presumed lost at sea in the crash that killed more than 30 passengers accepted the grim news.

Gerald and Barbara Heil, of White Bear Lake, are among the 16 still presumed missing. Their son, Aaron, is a teacher at , and an Albertville resident.

"Today we can confirm that the official search for the missing passengers aboard the Costa Concordia has ended," the Heil family said via a blog created to update friends, family and media. "We are certainly disheartened to hear this news but understand and accept the decision to bring the search operation to a halt.  We cannot express enough our sincere gratitude to all those involved in the search and rescue effort.  Time and time again, the rescuers faced many perils in the hopes of reuniting the missing with their families.  We will be forever grateful for all those who worked so hard for people they did not even know, yet understood how important their job was for those that remained waiting for news."

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The St. Michael Catholic Church community held a vigil for the Heil family back on Jan. 18. Now, the family will plan a memorial service at a location yet to be determined, to honor their parents.

"For our family and friends; plans are currently underway to hold a memorial service in the coming weeks to celebrate the lives of our parents.  We will update you all with additional details regarding the service when they become available," the Heils wrote.

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Gerald and Barbara Heil were dedicated members of Pope Pius X Catholic Church in White Bear Lake, where friends and parishoners have been holding vigil and prayer since the ship ran aground with more than 4,200 passengers and crew on Friday, Jan. 13.

The Heil siblings said their faith, and the faithfulness of their parents, was of some comfort following Tuesday's news that Italian officials had stopped the search for those still missing.

"As we struggle to come to grips with this tragedy, we find comfort knowing Mom and Dad are now in a better place free from any worries. They have always been obedient to God’s plan and now we must do the same," they wrote.

Families and friends of Aaron Heil have rotated duties assisting the Albertville family, bringing dinners to the home and praying at local churches.

The family has not commented on the incident beyond the website they created in the days following the accident.


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