ARTHUR WILLIAM HEGGEN's Obituary
Heggen,
Arthur William, 70, of Sunny Isles Beach, FL passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which he had courageously battled for 16 years. A celebration of life service will begin at 2pm, Saturday, June 25 at the Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel. The family will receive friends from 3:30-5pm at the chapel following the service. Memorials may be made to the CLL Global Research Foundation (cllglobal.org).
Born on August 9, 1945 in Eureka, California, Art grew up on a farm in central Iowa and graduated high school with the distinction of Valedictorian from Ballard High School in Huxley, IA in 1963. After graduating from Iowa State University in 1967, he joined the US Marine Corps and served as an infantry and tank officer in Vietnam from 1968-69. He served his country with distinction, was wounded in combat and was awarded a Purple Heart for his valor, and was decorated with the Navy Commendation Medal. Upon his return, he obtained the designations of Certified Public Accountant; Fellow, Life Management Institute; Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter; and Associate in Insurance Accounting. He dedicated most of his career to the insurance industry, culminating in executive positions at American Bankers Insurance Group (later Assurant).
Active in various civic and philanthropic organizations all of his life, he was recognized for his outstanding volunteerism with the YMCA of South Florida and for his work on the national level of his FarmHouse Fraternity and the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA). He also worked with Merrett Stierheim and other top executives from South Florida companies to reorganize the administration and develop the financial recovery plan for the city of Miami following the financial crisis in 1996.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty; his children Cherilyn and Christopher; his five grandchildren, Natasha, James, Avery, Elizabeth and Thomas; his mother, Edna; and sisters, Judy and Kathleen.
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