William Ray Heine, age 74 of Waco, NE died Monday, April 20, 2026 in Osceola, NE. He was born on September 18, 1951 to Herbert and Adella (Brunz) Heine in Stromsburg, NE.
Bill was a farmer and enjoyed living on the farm that he grew up on. He grew corn, soybeans, raised hogs and was on the Waco Volunteer Fire Department. After farming, Bill worked for the York County Department of Roads. Bill liked studying the local and family history, collecting old farm equipment, rocks, fossils and enjoyed photography and art. He had a dry sense of humor and liked a good joke. He also loved spending time outside, especially watching sunrises and sunsets, noticing the changing of the seasons and local wildlife. Bill proudly served our country in the Nebraska Air National Guard.
He is survived by his daughter Abigail Heine of Newfield, NJ, son Willson Heine of Grand Island, NE, sisters Pat Vapenik of York, NE, Peggy (Tom) Menze of York, brother Ken (Kathy) Heine of Waco, and niece and nephews Chris (Amy) Heine of Waco, Kim Heine working on the R/V Sikuliaq, Seward AK, and Zane Vapenik of Oshkosh, NE.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Heine and nephew David Vapenik.
Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Wessels Living History Farm Church, south of York. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 4:30 pm at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, west of Thayer, NE. Bill has been cremated, no viewing. However, there will be visitation and signing of his register book from 1-8 pm on Wednesday, May 13, with his family greeting friends that evening from 6-7:30 pm, all at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation.
Bill’s service will be livestreamed on Metz Mortuary’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@metzmortuary1636