John K. Heese

1945 - 2025

John Kenneth Heese, 79, of Latrobe, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 18, 1945, in Latrobe, PA, the son of the late John Kenneth Heese Sr. and Mary (Horansky) Heese. John is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Ann (Carnathan) Heese; three sons, Kenneth John Heese and his wife, Patty, Eric Robert Heese and his wife, Christie, and Adam Christopher Heese and his wife, Kelly, all of Latrobe; six grandchildren, Lauren, Jacob, Christopher, Charles, Katherine, and Oliver; his brother, Fred Heese and his wife, Bonnie, of Rapid City, SD; his sisters, Mary Jane Geary of Latrobe and Janet Ulishney of Woodhaven, MI; and several nieces and nephews. John was always there to help others whenever he could. He loved conversation and could warm anyone with whom he spoke. He was a great storyteller who shared many entertaining life stories that will be cherished for years to come. John had many early work experiences that served him well throughout his life. He began working as a butcher, which led him to meet his lovely wife, followed by a period working at Latrobe Steel Co. In his free time, he would trim trees while performing other landscaping work. This led John and Joyce to open the Laurel Nursery/Garden Center in 1974, which became their pride and joy. John enjoyed sharing his love of gardening and landscaping with everyone. It was not only his profession; it was also his passion. He was very proud of the many commercial and residential properties that he landscaped in the area. The family wishes to thank the many family, friends, and employees who worked with them and touched their lives through the years. John was an avid hunter, who was very proud of his many hunting trips out West and was a member of King Solomon's Lodge No. 346 F&AM in Connellsville. John's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Excela Health Home Care and Hospice, who helped lovingly guide John in his care during his battle with cancer. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and from 9 to 10 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A Masonic funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2025. A funeral liturgy will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, in the funeral home, with the Rev. Aron Maghsoudi officiating. Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania F&AM or the Westmoreland Food Bank. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.