Jerome Ervin Heyer

1937 - 2010

Deacon Jerome (Jerry) Ervin Heyer, beloved husband and father, passed away on Oct. 17, 2010, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer.

Jerome was born on June 21, 1937 in Neenah, Wis., to Ervin and Julia Heyer, who preceded him in death. He was married to Beverly Jean Heyer for 52 beautiful years, their love for one another growing more as each year passed. Jerome and Beverly had one daughter, Katherine, whom Jerry has joined in heaven. Jerry will be deeply missed by his four sons, David, Steve, Mark, and Ken, and his seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Alyssa, Cody, Jesse, Marisa, Austin, and Sadie.

Jerome grew up in Milwaukee, Wis., with his four sisters, Judy, Mary, Barbara, and Karen, and a younger brother, Michael. Jerry attended the University of Marquette where he received a degree in engineering and met his wife, Beverly. Together they decided to move to Southern California where they lovingly raised their family. Jerry and Bev enjoyed many of their years in Thousand Oaks, happily building and rebuilding their home and singing in St. Paschal's choir. His engineering career offered him challenges and opportunities to travel the world.

Jerry and Bev enjoyed 30 years of sharing their marital wisdom with couples in Engaged Encounter. Jerry's dedication to his faith led him to a higher calling, and on June 8, 2002, he was ordained a deacon in the Catholic church. He and Bev joined the Holy Cross Catholic Church, where they devotedly served their parish in Moorpark. Jerry passionately enjoyed preaching and offering compassion to his parishioners. Jerry became a leader of his peers and was a mentor to the Santa Barbara Deacon Classes of 2007 and the upcoming class of 2011.

Jerry will always be remembered for his heartfelt preaching and his contagious smile. Two of his greatest joys, along with spending time with family and friends, were being able to proclaim the gospel and to baptize.

A visitation for Deacon Jerry will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, with the vigil beginning at 7 p.m. located at Holy Cross Church in Moorpark. A Mass for Deacon will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, also at Holy Cross Church in Moorpark. Inurnment will be held at 12 noon, Friday, Oct. 22 at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Simi Valley. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is the Perez Family Funeral Home in Camarillo, Tel: 983-3457. Please sign Deacon Jerry's guest book at www.CamarilloMortuary.com.