Gloria Ann Heidtman

Gloria Ann Heidtman. To her grandchildren she was affectionately known as GiGi. A stunning presence, beautiful smile and keen sense of humor, she was known for her wit and unforgettable phrases like Nice to have saw you.” Born March 19th, 1940 at Flower Hospital, Toledo, Ohio, she was the daughter of Leo Rehkopf and Elinore Southwick (Rehkopf) and brother of Lee Rehkopf (1943-2011) Gloria graduated from DeVillbiss High School in 1958. She then graduated from The University of Toledo in 1962 majoring in English and Education, she was also a Toledo Rockette. She was awarded the key to the City upon winning the 1959 Miss Toledo pageant. She was the Miss Key to the Sea in 1959, Opening the St Lawrence Seaway. She enjoyed a career in education and taught High School English at Libbey High School, Woodward High School, and Bowsher High School. In 1963, while serving as an English teacher at Libbey High School Ms. Rehkopf received permission from the State Board of Education to use Harper Lee’s then controversial To Kill A Mockingbird as part of her coursework for her senior-level course. In securing the approval she in turn became the first educator in the state to utilize the book’s portrayal of race relations in the deep south in her efforts to raise awareness of the inequities of segregation and the plight of African-Americans in the Jim Crow south. Gloria was a self-published author of childrens book, “Lightning, Thunder and Wildfire.” She loved music, dancing, the theater and cooking. An avid sports fan and longtime supporter of the St. Johns Titans basketball teams and the Denver Broncos. The love of her life were her animals as it served as creative inspiration for her books and daily life. She married Dr. David E. Cook in 1963 and had two sons David and Christopher. She married Howard Komives 1972 and had son Shane Komives. She then married William Heidtman 1985, coming up on their 30 year anniversary. She was proceeded in death by her brother Lee, father Leo Rehkopf and mother Elinore Thompon and step-son William Heidtman III. She was survived by her loving husband William Heidtman, sons David Cook (Heidi), Christopher Cook, Shane Komives (Alicia), step-sons Thomas Heidtman (Cammie), Linda Heidtman, Jeffrey Heidtman and 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and infused with unforgettable moments and memories. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Friends will be received at the Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave (West of Corey) on Sunday from 4-7 pm. Funeral services and burial will be private. Condolences may be sent to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.