Michael Heller

Michael Heller

Michael Frank Heller, 63, of Clermont, Iowa died Saturday, January 9, 2021 at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Michael was born on October 2, 1957 to Elmer and Nancy (Pape) Heller. He graduated from Waterloo West High in 1976.

Mike moved to Clermont and married the love of his life, Mary Schott on April 30, 1977. 

Throughout the years, Mike worked for the Clermont Pin Co., was co-owner of the Tridat Cabinet Company, co-owner of the CIC Company, and established the family business of  Heller 2 Company with his son, Josh. He also managed the Pleasant Valley Sports Club for a number of years, worked for Iowa DOT, and served as the Mayor of Clermont. Mike was a member of the Clermont Fire Department for thirty-five years and also a member of the Clermont Activity Club for many years. He appreciated helping his uncles John & Zeb Pape on the family farm. He enjoyed playing volleyball and softball, poker with all his buddies, golfing, bowling, mushroom hunting, deer hunting with the “Old House Gang”, camping with his family, his trips to “Bucksnort”, and the yearly fishing trips to Minnesota. Mike also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers. 

In March of 2002, through organ donation Mike received one of the greatest gifts, a lung transplant. To which he was very grateful and always said he never took anything for granted. He thoroughly cherished every moment he spent with his wife, kids and grandkids. His family will miss all the snuggles in the “snuggle chair”, movies with popcorn and ice cream, whisker rubs, and gilly bone tickles.  To his grandkids, Mike was the “smartest man in the world”, but he couldn’t spell worth a darn. Mike was known for his watermelon cutting skills, his witty sense of humor and everyone turning to look to see what was gonna come out of his mouth next.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of forty-three years, Mary; daughters, Lisa (Matt) Ellis of Elgin, Iowa, Nici (Nate) Judnic of Madison, Wisconsin; son, Josh (Amber) Heller of Denver, Iowa; grandchildren, Taylor and Braeden Ellis, Bella, Rylan, and Hudson Judnic, Jake and Jaylynn Heller; mother, Nancy Heller of Clermont; brother, Pat (Kayla Stevenson); brothers-in-law, Al Rosauer, Bob (Rhonda Dales) Schott, Danny (Mary) Schott, David (Paula) Schott, Tom (Rachel) Schott and “Pud” (Misty Hansmeier) Schott; sisters-in-law, Peg (Kenny) Lerch, Julia (Chuck) Ensley, Ruth (Jeff) Fels, Cathy (Dave) Knutson; many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and several fur babies.

He is socializing in heaven with his dad, “Elmo”; sister, “Lener”; brother, Tim; parents-in-law, Art and Marilyn Schott; and many special grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Bill Thias’ Shop, 1000 Stone Street (Gunder Road) in Clermont, Iowa. 

“Don’t take your organs to Heaven, Heaven knows we need them here.” 

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

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