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Mearle Garman Heitzman
1922 - 2016
Mearle Garman Heitzman
1922 - 2016
Obituary
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Mearle Heitzman Obituary
June 02, 1922 - February 27, 2016
Visalia
Mearle Garman Heitzman was born June 2, 1922 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Eleanor Frazer Heitzman and Mearle G. Heitzman. He grew up in Park City, Utah, where he attended elementary school. His family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Mearle entered Bryant Junior High School. He finished high school at East High. He had completed two years of engineering school at the University of Utah when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served four years during World War II. When he returned home, he graduated from the University of Utah. Mearle was a lifelong member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Mearle met Marilyn Lenore Stayner at the University of Utah. They were married in 1949 and moved to Tulare, California, where Mearle worked for Nielsen's Creamery. They lived in Tulare for twelve years and during that time, Mearle managed five drive-in restaurants simultaneously. The drive-ins were located in Tulare, Corcoran, Bakersfield and two drive-ins in Visalia. After managing five drive-ins, Mearle knew he would like one of his own, but only one. In 1960, Mearle purchased the restaurant at 604 South Mooney Boulevard and renamed it Mearle's College Drive-In. He wondered if he could make a living, but with the help of the exceptional and loyal people who worked at Mearle's College Drive-in, the wonderful customers who came through the door, the Visalia Police Department, the Sheriff's Department, the Highway Patrol, the Visalia Fire Department and the Visalia City Council, Mearle's College Drive-In stayed in business. Mearle operated the drive-in for 47 years.
Mearle's family also did their best to help Mearle's Drive-in. Marilyn did the accounting and raised their three daughters at home. When their daughters, Rosalie, Shelley and Amy were old enough, they worked summer vacations at the Drive-In.
In 1998, Mearle was given the honor by the Central Valley Chapter of the California Restaurant Association of being their first inductee into their "Hall of Fame". The award was given at their Diamond Cuisine Awards Dinner. He was also honored by: Visalia Mayor, Wally Gregory; Lieutenant Governor elect of California, Cruz Bustamante; State Senator elect, Charles Poochigian; State Senator, Jim Costa and U.S. Congressman, Calvin Dooley. Mearle was a 50 year Mason, a member of Progress Lodge number 22 F.A.M. of Utah.
Any free time Mearle had, he spent with his family and working in the yard he designed. His tractor (now 50 years old) helped him with his endeavors, working in cement and wrought iron, making pillars, benches, lamps, trellises and a flower cart.
Fate brought Mearle and Marilyn to Visalia and what a blessing that was. It has been the perfect place to live and raise their three wonderful daughters. Visalia has given Mearle and Marilyn 56 happy years and the place where Mearle's College Drive-In survived for 47 years.
Mearle is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 67 years and three daughters, Rosalie H. Holland and husband, Richard W. Holland (Sacramento, California); Shelley S. Heitzman (Sacramento, California); Amy H. West and husband, David A. West (Parker, Colorado); two grandsons Richard W. Holland II and wife, Carol; Rhett H. Holland and wife, Kara; one great grandson Conrad Stone Holland.
Mearle is also survived by one sister, Eleanor Jane Carlston and a brother Theodore Frazer Heitzman. He has several nieces and nephews.
There will be a private family graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent, in memory of Mearle G. Heitzman, to Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation. www.donate.kaweahdelta.org.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
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Jane Carlston Myers
March 2, 2019
He was always to funny and giving. His searches on the computer were always informative and funny. I miss him, and I know that his family misses his great smile and twinkle in his eyes every day.
Jane Carlston Myers
March 13, 2016
We love you all. He was an amazing man and Uncle. I loved spending time with him because he was usually cheerful and funny. We will all miss him, even though it has been awhile since the Kentucky Fried Chicken picnics at the park overlooking the city. I remember him on his tractor and the beautiful yard. Riding with Shelly over at the barn track, and the huge leafed weeds that grew around it. It was the neatest neighborhood arrangement for a horse owner. (Bill was amazing and so was April.) It was always a great treat to eat at "Mearle's Drive In". I hope we will see you all still. You are always welcome here, and we will try to get there soon. I'm sorry that I was sick for the funeral. I just got through with antibiotics today. Love, Jane C. and Gary Myers
Laney Baltazar
March 9, 2016
TO THE HEITZMAN FMILY:
I would like to send my condolences. I was Mearles Health Inspector from 1986 to 1994 now retired. He and I after a year finally saw eye to eye and it was a pleasure to have known him. He was always kind to me as his health inspector for Mearles Drive In. To his family you need to know I truly enjoyed my visits with him when I conducted my inspections. RIP Mearles.
Roger & Ann Johnson
March 9, 2016
Dear Heitzman Family: Our family was lucky to live next to you on Green Oaks Drive where we raised our six active children. Although our 4-H chickens were sometimes noisy next to your bedroom window, you were always so generous, supportive, and patient with the children. We enjoyed waiving hello, delivering your newspaper, visiting and eating at Mearle's after a family outing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of Mearle's passing.
Sincerely, Ann & Roger Johnson
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I could see the moving neon arrows of Merle's great sign from my tree house...what a place.
Christopher Putnam
March 8, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire Heitzman family in the passing of a very importantand respected figure in my old neighborhood. Having grown up just 2 blocks away on Divisadero, Merle's Drive-in was my special home away from home from my earliest years at Sierra Vista all the way to C.O.S. Tall and stately in his white shirt and never ruffled, Merle was always the respectful host. He never scolded us when we would throw our bikes down right in front of the front doors and saddle up to the counter for our free glasses of ice water on those hot Visalia summer days(hopefully adjacent to the ice cream bins that were being scooped day and night by those perfect Merle's waitresses)...all the way through junior high and high school to college, Merle's was the go-to spot for everything from a quick morning cup of coffee and newspaper, to a first time date, to brunch after church, you name it, Merle's was the place, and Merle kept that most diverse comfortabl atmosphere going for all. He is missed by many...thank you so much for all the great memories, Merle.
March 7, 2016
Marilyn, Rosalie, Shelley and Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Many great memories growing up next door to you. May you find comfort in all the loving comments made by so many to your husband/father. Rest in peace Mearle.
Jeri Jameson Hampton
Marcia Olson
March 7, 2016
Rosalie,
I'm very sorry to hear about your father's passing. His restaurant played large in my life. For one thing my family lived for about five years right around the corner on Edwards Lane. Once in a great while my mother would place a to-go order and I would walk down and pick it up. Most of the time I was only allowed to order a hamburger....but a few times I got to order the steak sandwich! The best ever!
Upon entering the restaurant I'd always look to see if Mr. Heitzman was at the grill, and usually he was. Once in a while I'd get a nod and a smile from him which was really special.
Take care, Marcia Hunger Olson
Regina Powers
March 6, 2016
I worked for Mearles in the mid-70s. He knew me where-ever He saw me over the next 35 years and would take the time to speak to me. Thank you Mearl for great memories in Visalia and my life.
Denise Tyler
March 6, 2016
From all of us,
Mearle was a great friend and a great neighbor. I always enjoyed visiting with him. We will miss him, but will always remember his love for his home, family, and friends.
Kay Armi Reaves
March 6, 2016
Rosalie, I am saddened to hear about the passing of your dad. He was such a nice man and always made us feel welcome. I have fond memories of sitting in the back booth on Friday nights after football games with you and our other girl friends. The French fries and the hot fudge sundaes were the best. Every time I to Visalia and see the Mearles building it always takes me back to those good times. Please know I am thinking of you and your family and that you are in my prayers.
Dave Russell
March 6, 2016
There was nothing better than chili size and a brown cow after a football game in the 70's at Merle's. Truly an iconic place.
S Penning
March 5, 2016
Growing up in Visalia, I was a frequent customer of Mearle's Drive In and have many fond memories of this wonderful place. I remember talking to Mearle on several occasions and he always seemed like a great guy. RIP, and my sympathy to his family members.
March 4, 2016
Condolences to the Heitzman family! Mr. Heitzman was a very special man to the community of Visalia and beyond, he truly will be missed!!
The Mckay Family
Tommy Brunette
March 4, 2016
I worked for Mearle for 8 years. Mearle was so much more than just a boss. He was my friend. This breaks my heart. I'm so sorry Marilyn. To Amy and Shelly, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad.
R.I.P. My friend
Christopher Miller
March 3, 2016
I have countless stories of eating at Mearl's... It was a staple of my childhood... Thanks for giving my memories such a warm and delicious setting...I still crave a crushed cherry shake... Rest in peace, sir...
Sherry Krug Keller
March 3, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of the loss please know that you and your family are in my prayers always cherish the memories Sherry Krug Keller
Debra White
March 3, 2016
Amy.....I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I never met him, but from our visits and after reading his obituary.......I can see what an amazing person, man, father and husband he was. What an amazing life he lead and I see it in you. I am thinking of you during this time and I love you!
Steve and Kathy Young
March 3, 2016
Amy, so very sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
What an amazing man, and what a wonderful life he had!
Fawn Pender
March 3, 2016
So many memories were made at Mearle's...I remember him best next to the jukebox, speaking to diners and sharing hospitality. He will be missed.
Jeanie LaRue
March 3, 2016
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Mearle's was my first job and I have wonderful memories of working there. Your dad was a fair, honest, and hard working man. It was an honor working for him.
Lorene .
March 3, 2016
Amy I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad, he did so much for Visalia, California with Mearles Drive-In...... My prayers are with you and your family at this time.....
Donna Post
March 3, 2016
Thank you Mr. Heitzman for giving so many of us all these wonderful memories. What a legacy you have left. Sending much love and many prayers to the entire family! God Bless
Angela Martin-Rodriguez
March 2, 2016
My thoughts are going out to your family. I will never forget going to Mearle's to eat with my Dad and Mearle bring me my bubble gum ice cream.
Van Bailey
March 2, 2016
To Rosalie, your mom Marilyn, and your sisters,
My sincerest condolences on your dad's passing.
Mearle offered the menu and served up the
sustenance to make us all Visalian's to the core.
Tall and proud he was.
As a youngster you didn't feel free to act up when Mearle was working the floor.
Mearle gave us a place to love, laugh, to cry about it, to love again and a place to talk about all these things with friends.
Merle provided us a place to go celebrate after the COS Spring Operettas, after games, after proms, after baptisms & after funerals.
After winning or after loosing.
When you walked in, do you go to the left or to the right?
Isn't that the VPD officer that ran me in last Friday night?
It doesn't matter now cause......
I'll have a cheese burger, large fries, strawberry/banana shake & a tall glass of ice water.
Thank you Mearle!
wvebailey
Tami (Merritt) Olson
March 2, 2016
Amy, so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many great memories of your father from Mearles. Prayers of comfort to you and your family.
Robert See Jr
March 2, 2016
I worked there for a short time and loved being there it felt like you were a part of of a better part of history. Legends come and they go but are never forgotten. I'll always remember back and smile. Now I live in Nebraska but every time I see a picture of mearls diner I'm think of home and good times. Rest in peace Mearl if anyone deserves it you do.
Vanessa Brown (it was Navarrette when I worked for him )
March 2, 2016
Mr Heitzman was a great man to work for,I applied for salad making and my first day his head cook walked out and the place was packing in with customers he came back to me and ask me if I could cook not knowing why he was asking me this, then said come with me and put me in the main kitchen right in the middle of the restaurant and he stood on the end and told me what and when to put things on the grill, between him and I we work non stop for about 3 hours straight when it slowed down he gave me a high five and told me I was no longer a salad maker I was his new head cook, and gave me a raise right then, I worked for him for 5 years. And can truly say it was a great 5 years. My condolences to his family
Rebecca Carroll
March 2, 2016
So sorry for your family's loss Amy. May your happy memories sustain you and yours at this difficult time.
Kathy Sing
March 2, 2016
Amy, sorry to read about the loss of your dad. My sister worked at Mearles and what an icon he made on Mooney Blvd. Thanks for the memories Mr. Heitzman. Thinking of you Amy and your family at this time.
Keith Boone
March 2, 2016
Great Man, Great Family, sending prayers your way.
Keith Boone
NANCY E BARNES
March 2, 2016
Condolences to Family and Friends. Thanks for the memories at Mearle's College Drive-In! R.I.P.
March 2, 2016
May I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Heitzman. I know that losing a loved one is not easy, but our faith in Gods promises can help us get through difficult times like this. Please know that God cares and will give you the strength that you need. At 2Kings 20:5, he says," I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I am healing you..." I hope this brings you comfort and helps you cope with your loss.
Christine Hopkins
March 2, 2016
Like so many other kids (Mt. Whitney-1970) Merle's was the go to spot for us high school kids. A group of us even had a bridal luncheon there in 1971. I didn't know him personally but I'm also an alumnus of the University of Utah. Only good memories of Mearle's.
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