R. Conrad Heinson

R. Conrad Heinson

February 1, 1926 – May 16, 2022

Conrad passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 16 at the age of 96.  He spent his last days surrounded by family and listening to classic country music.

Conrad was born on February 1, 1926 in Steelville, Missouri to Vera (Porterfield) and Jacob Diedrick Heinson. A child of the Great Depression, Conrad began working at the age of 8 herding neighboring farmers’ cows on his way to school, delivering papers, and other odd jobs to help the family. While a senior in high school, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force at the age of 17 and reported to Fort Leavenworth in April of 1944.  Conrad trained and served as a radar mechanic in the 867th Bombardment Group within the 243rd Army Air Force Base Unit. While serving, he was stationed in Cassel, Germany.

After the war, Conrad became a salesman for Interstate Oil in Kansas City, Kansas.  Upon learning the company was pulling out of the Nebraska-Iowa territory, he recognized an opportunity.  He started his own business: Allied Oil & Supply, Inc.  In August of 1958, Allied Oil & Supply, Inc. opened its doors in Omaha, Nebraska.  In 1965, the company expanded their location in Omaha and ventured into new products, creating Allied Tire Co. and Allied Construction Specialties.   Conrad developed a network of retail tire outlets spanning from Omaha to San Diego, California by 1968.  In 1998, Allied opened the highest volume Michelin Retread plant in the Americas.  Today, Allied provides services and products in an eight state area.  Conrad loved his career and said, “I never worked a day in my life. I spent my days calling on my friends.” He took great pride in building a multi-generational business with his two daughters, nephew Greg Kennedy, and grandson Kyle Fowler.

Conrad met his wife Ann Imhoff in Omaha and they were married in 1954. They were married for 67 years, until Ann’s passing in August of 2021 at the age of 102.  They had two daughters, Debra and Tamara, who were both active in the family business since 1979.

Conrad explored the world by land, air, and sea.  Conrad and Ann toured the United States by motorcoach.  His feet have traversed every continent except Antarctica.  A skilled pilot, Conrad flew single and twin engine Beechcraft Bonanzas. Conrad enjoyed retiring in the warm weather of Fort Myers, Florida to fish, dance, and ride his motorcycle.  He was a lifelong reader, enjoying the Wall Street Journal daily as well as a variety of topics, including history and economics. He enjoyed people and would gladly tell anyone who would listen about his life.

A self-made man with a generous heart, he supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the VA, and many other charitable organizations.  He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a Tangier Shriner.

Conrad is survived by his daughter Tamara Fowler (Doak); son-in-law, Steve Thiesfeld; grandchildren, Kimberly Vail (Dan), Kyle Fowler (Kelly), Jayme Fowler, Steven Thiesfeld; and his great-grandchildren, Victoria and Coralie Vail.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ann; daughter Debra; parents; and siblings, Celia Kennedy and Wade Heinson.

VISITATION: Friday, May 20^th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, May 21^st at 9am, West Center Chapel.  Interment with Military Honors: Calvary Cemetery, followed by brunch at the mortuary.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/) and Nebraska Children’s Home Society (https://www.nchs.org).

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.