Arnold J. Heller III

Arnold Joseph Heller, III, 80, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Arnold was born on February 15, 1944, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Arnold and Victoria (Kotarski) Heller, Jr. Arnold graduated from Anchor Bay High School, New Baltimore, Michigan, in 1961, where he lettered in three sports and received an athletic scholarship to the University of Buffalo. On March 20, 1964, he met his loving wife, Ann, at Luigi's Pizzeria in Harrison TWP, Michigan. All it took was just one look. They were married one year later on March 27, 1965.
Arnold spent the majority of his sales and marketing career in fire trucks and fire apparatus. The highlight of his career was being named President of American LaFrance where he was tasked with bringing it back to market, which he successfully completed.
Throughout his life, Arnold enjoyed his work, boating, football, going to the movies, and spending time with family. He was loved and highly respected by his family and co-workers for the time he spent assisting them to reach their full potential. Arnold was very generous, when he heard of a need he could fill, he would do it quietly and anonymously.
After retiring, he and Ann enjoyed many cruises with their dear friends, Bob and Sue Williamson. He was also able to fulfill a lifelong dream of living on the lake in Michigan. Before he passed, he wanted his family to know he loved them without reservation.
Arnold is preceded in death by his adoring grandmother, Caroline (Siemon) Rutkowski; his beloved parents, Arnold Joseph Heller, Jr. and Victoria Josephine (Kotarski) Heller; his parents-in-law, Roy Joseph Jeup and Lavetta Mae (Markwood) Jeup; and his brother and sister-in-law, Gary Roy Jeup and Doreen Jean (Crothers) Jeup.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Marlene (Jeup) Heller; his wonderful children, Kelly Caroline Heller, Arnold Joseph Heller, IV, Nicole Susan Conner, and Rachel Ann Rogers; his beloved grandchildren, Arnold Joseph Heller, V, Grace Ann Heller, Sean Patrick Carney (Carolyn), Cole James Conner, Rory Morgan Conner, Reagen Ann Conner, Megan Renee Rogers, Emily Grace Rogers, and Matthew Joseph Rogers; his extra special blessing great grandchildren, Kellen Arnold Carney and Sloane Elaine Carney; his devoted sister, Karen Michael Heller; and his loving nephews and niece, Benjamin Millard Hosford, Jr. (Julie), Kevin William Jeup (Beth), Jeffrey Roy Jeup (Kim) and Wendy Elizabeth Jeup.
Services to be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to your local food pantry in Arnold's memory.
Expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.