Autistic boy who drowned remembered at funeral.

June 25,2007

NEKOOSA, Wis. - Hundreds of family members, friends and people who helped look for 7-year-old Benjamin "Benjy" Heil remembered him at a funeral.John Wilhorn described his autistic grandson as active, saying he would always grab him by the hand to take him places.Wilhorn said he would miss that hand the most."It brings comfort to the family knowing that he is with the Lord right now," Wilhorn said. "His autism is gone, and that brings comfort."Benjy first was reported missing on June 14. Hundreds of people, dogs and helicopters looked for him until his body was found five days later. Preliminary autopsy results say he apparently drowned in a pond adjacent to Ten Mile Creek less than a quarter mile from his town of Saratoga home.The funeral on Saturday was moved from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa to Nekoosa High School to accommodate a large number of mourners.Rev. Carl Kummer, who led the service, said the community-wide effort to find the boy was a "spontaneous explosion of love."Allen Polum and Robert Zarecki, both of the Rudolph Fire Department, helped search for Benjy."I think it's great of all the people that could come out and help," Zarecki said. "It makes you feel good that the community is behind anybody that needs it."Wilhorn said he was glad the family had closure."(Benjy) is in heaven with God now," he said. "That's what brings me joy."