Michael Joseph Heiser

1947 - 2023

Michael Joseph Heiser (Mike)

03/07/1947 - 03/19/2023

Albert Lea, MN-Mike was born to Philomene Servel Heiser & Eugene (Red) Heiser on March 7, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His arrival was preceded by sisters Yvonne Heiser Eagan & Julie JoAnne Heiser Brown and followed by sister Genie Heiser Lamb. His sisters described him as stubborn, adventuresome and fun-loving.

His adolescence summers were spent at the family ranch outside of Pocatello, Idaho, where he lived, worked, and learned from his mother's brother Pierre Servel. As he continued to mature Mike showed an aptitude for playing football on both the offensive & defensive lines. His high school football career at Judge Memorial earned Highschool All American Status. His career in football initially took him to the University of Colorado and then returning to Salt Lake City where it culminated at Westminster College. Friendships forged on the football fields with teammates and coaches proved to endure the entirety of his life.

In 1972 he married Sandra Louise Potter and shortly afterward Michelle Yvonne and Brian Pierre were born. The family of four moved to Boise shortly after the children were born and after a few years finally settled in Saint Anthony, Idaho. When the couple divorced in 1989, Mike married Nancy Wilker and moved to the Bay Area of California. The couple prospered there for several years before medical disability ended his sales career, and the two moved back to Salt Lake City. They would stay in the same home in Salt Lake City for over twenty years, which he later revered as some of his most cherished times with wife and friends. They moved to Mesquite, Nevada for a brief stint before settling definitively in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he and Nancy would spend their remainder of time together.

His career as a salesman was a perfect melding with his outgoing personality and desire for human interactions. His draw to the human spirit saw no gender, race or background and long lasting friendships grew from those whose paths crossed with his. He was a listener, motivator, coach, and supporter to those who were fortunate enough to be in his circle. He carried his own opinions about life while embracing those who's differed. Through conversation he would find common ground with others and connect to their light and the life within.

The best part of Mike left his body on March 19, 2023. He was at home with his wife Nancy, who he described as his very best friend and the ever-present dachshund at his side. He remained aware of the many friends and loved ones around him until his final days. He is survived by his sisters, wife Nancy, children Brian & Michelle, grandchildren (Emma, Noah, Parker, Tyler, and Reese) and stepsons Michael and Christopher Walter.

No funeral ceremony is planned, but a celebration of life will be scheduled in the summer of 2023.