Monday, September 28, 2009

Michael J. Heller

Michael J. Heller, 53, passed away at Clement J. Zablocki V.A. Medical Center on Monday, September 28, 2009.

Michael was born in Racine on August 1, 1956, to Jay and Lois (nee: Cook) Heller. He attended school in Racine and graduated from Horlick High School in 1975. Michael served as a Sergeant in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he achieved a Top Secret Clearance and became Chief of a Special Weapons Unit. Following his military service, Michael worked as a Journeyman Plasterer. He was a member of the Plasterers and Cement Mason Local 559. He held various positions for his union over the years, including Business Agent and Secretary. Michael also co-owned and operated Mastercraft Construction with his brother, Rick. He was an avid outdoorsman and he enjoyed hunting.

He is survived by two daughters, Amy (Mark) Reid and Monica Heller; two grandsons, Jordan Michael and Drake Alexander Reid; mother of his children, Rose Heller; very special and beloved friend, Sue Simmons; father, Jay (Janet) Heller; four brothers, Richard (Therese) Heller Kurt Heller, David (Lisa)Heller, and Jay (Kristal) Heller; sister, Jayne (Daniel) Exner; step-brother, Jim (Sheryl) Meyer; step-sister Linda (Kerry) Keenan; nieces and nephews, Steve (Agata) Exner and Jeff Exner, Krystyn, Rose, Jacob, Amber, Sean, Caitlyn and Jarrett Heller, Paula and David Johnson, Judith and Daniel Becker and Dina Clark; aunt, Helen Jakubowski and her family; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Injasoulian; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Garo (Kim) Injasoulian, Liz Johnson and Tamara Becker; and godchildren, Jacob Heller, Rebecca (Andersen) Peppler and Nicholas Wieczorek. Michael is also survived by many other close friends and relatives, especially the Andersen family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Heller; grandparents, Helen and Lawrence Cook and Gladys and Max Heller.

A visitation for Michael will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 1, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 7 pm. A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. led by Rev. Jeff Thielen. Military honors will be presented at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Friday, October 2, 2009, at noon. Memorials to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center ICU have been suggested.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Clement J. Zablocki for the outstanding care and compassion given to Michael and his family during this difficult time.

Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave, Racine (262) 639-8000

2 comments:

no one said...

My thoughts are with you on the loss of your Dad.

I have great memories.

Remember when he scared the ---- out of Andrew remodeling your kitchen?

Anonymous said...

Monica (and Amy) -

Although we don't communicate or see each other anymore I really am sorry for the loss of your Dad. :(

I wish I would have known rather than a week and a half later. I can't imagine your loss - As always you will be in my family's prayers.

Again I am sorry for your loss and I pray you receive this message.

Grace