United States Air Force Academy Class of 1975

Dr. Michael Lloyd Heil, 72, of Hinckley, Ohio, passed away on February 9, 2026. A distinguished Air Force officer, aerospace engineer, and respected community leader, Mike lived a life defined by service, leadership, faith, and devotion to his family.

Born on June 1, 1953, in Wiesbaden, Germany, Mike was the son of the late Charles Francis and Helen Dorothy (Rogan) Heil. He dedicated his life to learning and service, earning his undergraduate degree in Engineering Sciences from the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 1975. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Flight Structures from Columbia University as a Guggenheim Fellow and later earned a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).

Mike served his country with distinction for 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2005 at the rank of Colonel. During his distinguished career, he served as Commander of Arnold Engineering and Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Following his retirement from active duty, Mike continued his service to the aerospace field as President and CEO of the Ohio Aerospace Institute from 2007 to 2016. In 2010, he was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the aerospace profession. He remained an active and enthusiastic supporter of STEM education and generously volunteered his time and talents to numerous programs and organizations.

While his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, Mike’s greatest pride and joy were found in his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Donna Jane (Gorman) Heil, and a loving and dedicated father to his son, Ryan. Mike’s steady guidance, warmth, and unwavering support were the foundation of his family’s life.

Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Donna; his son, Ryan; extended family; friends; and colleagues across the nation who were inspired by his example of service and excellence.

The family will welcome guests from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Waite Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road, Brunswick, Ohio.

Interment will take place at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery.

Please share condolences with the family on Mike’s tribute page HERE.

Waite Funeral Home | February 2026

It is with heavy hearts that AFIT announces the sudden passing of retired Col. Michael Heil, PhD, AFIT alumnus, former AFIT Commandant and former professor of Aerospace Engineering and Director, Center for Space Studies and Research. Prior to his passing, he was also currently serving on the AFIT Foundation Board.

Dr. Heil left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His willingness to engage and work with everyone, regardless of rank or position, and his true leadership by example made him a role model for many young officers. He will be remembered for many things, but, mostly, he’ll be remembered as a friend to all.

Dr. Michael Heil has been an important part of AFIT for more than 40 years. He attained his PhD from AFIT in 1986. Then, after several additional tours and promotion to Colonel, he served as AFIT’s Commandant from 2001- 2003 before leaving to oversee AFRL’s Propulsion Directorate. He retired from the military in 2005 and joined the faculty of AFIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics where he helped to establish the Center for Space Studies and Research, which later became the Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA).

Dr. Heil’s extensive leadership skills and friendly demeanor led to being highly sought after. In 2007, he decided to accept the leadership position within the Ohio Aerospace Institute. AFIT always held a special place for Dr. Heil, and even after leaving the Institute, he remained engaged by serving on the AFIT Foundation Board and Board of Visitors.

Air Force Institute of Technology | February 2026

Michael L. Heil

Photographs and Memories

USAFA