George Ferdinand Heimberger

George Ferdinand John Heimberger died October 23, 2012 in Lexington, NC at the of age 86. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday (10-27-2012) at Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church in Old Zionsville, PA with Rev. Martin Milne officiating.   George was born in Philadelphia on October 8, 1926; the son of George Ludwig Heimberger and “Phoebe” (Phillipine) Katharina Welz Heimberger, He was a long time Pennsylvania resident, living in Philadelphia, Bethlehem and Emmaus.  George was a member of the US Army during World War II, serving from 1944 to 1946, and earning the rank of Sergeant.  Following his discharge, he attended the Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University), earning a BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1951.  He earned a Master’s degree in that field from Lehigh University in 1956.  Early in his career George worked for a bridge design firm and then joined Bethlehem Steel’s mining department as a structural engineer in 1957.  He became chief structural engineer in 1966 and assistant chief engineer in 1973.  During his time at the Steel, George traveled to six continents, spending significant time in Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Sierra Leone and China.  He was a licensed engineer in PA, KY and WV.  He was predeceased by one son, Kurt G.   George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Ann Hoffman Heimberger, he was a proud father of three sons; two are surviving, Mark A., of Lexington NC, and David L of Pottstown, PA.; two granddaughters, Kristie and Kaylee; Michelle Ward, whom he thought of as a granddaughter; two nieces, Jackie Wilson of Salisbury, NC and Judy Hoffman of St. Petersburg, FL; and nephew Barry Williams of Slatington, PA.               The family would like to thank all their friends, relatives and co-workers for their support and prayers during this difficult time.  In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Helping Hands in Bechtelsville, PA; or Ken Crest Centers, Plymouth Meeting, PA. Arrangements with Bachman, Kulik, Reinsmith and Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington, NC.   Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net