Arnold Kapp Heyer

Arnold Kapp Heyer of Howell, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born in Wayne, Michigan on January 2, 1935, he attended, graduated, and received his high school diploma from Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Michigan; a bachelor's in education from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, where he met his college sweetheart and future wife, JoAnn E. Martens. He furthered his education by attending Eastern Michigan University located in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he received his master's degree in education.
Originally wanting to be an engineer, Arn opted to change direction and chose a career in education. This decision led to serving many years teaching elementary and junior high-level classes in both parochial and public-school systems. However, Arn did not hesitate to put in work doing whatever necessary to provide for his family of 6. He was humble enough to work as a factory worker in several industries, digging ditches in construction, he was no stranger to hanging dry wall and, of course, painting which was one of his favorite things.
Arn was an amazing Christian man, in a world where there are so few good examples. If David was a man after God's own heart, Arn was a man after Jesus'. Meek, mild, gentle, kind, compassionate and patient. He displayed these attributes as a teacher, principal, coach, father and husband.
A happy memory Arn once shared was running into two former students, at a teaching conference, who told him that he was the reason why they went into teaching. This conversation left him with a smile on his face for weeks.
His favorite book of the bible was Genesis, when asked why he said, "because it was the beginning". His favorite part of a church service was the benediction. When asked why, he smiled and jokingly said, "because it means the service is almost over and we can go home." He followed that with a more reverent answer by saying, "because it was the Lord blessing us".
And Arn was truly a blessing to anyone who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, JoAnn E. Heyer (Martens), daughters Paula J. Thusius (husband Mark), and Susan M. Hallsby, Esq (husband Anders), and sons Timothy M. Heyer (wife Elizabeth) and Jon K. Heyer, D.C. He has been blessed with 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Howell, Michigan on Saturday January 24th at 11:00am with luncheon to follow.