Michael Joseph Heitz

Michael J. Heitz, 74, of Louisville, KY passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was born in Louisville on March 26, 1949. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Lillian Shreve Heitz and James R. Heitz, and brothers, William R. and James R. Heitz.
Left to cherish his memory are his nieces Elizabeth Heitz and Catherine Marks, a nephew Michael J. Heitz, and a sister-in-law, Ann Heitz, all of Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, he had cousins in Louisville and Morehead, KY, as well as his former wife, Leslee Faith Heitz.
Michael was a dog lover and had numerous Old English sheep dogs in his lifetime: Lucy, Deja, Gwenie, Lilly, Scarlett and Chelsea.
Michael worked hard in public service, principally in Parks and Recreation in both Louisville and Austin, TX. He enjoyed life to the fullest with many friends along the way that included: Burt and Mary Lane, Lisa, Charles, Brian, Wayne, Tracy, Nancy, Darren, Millie, Jazz, and his best friend/co-worker Marty Storch who was with him when he took his last breath. He had many friends at Cunningham's on The River and Double Dogs.
Michael's spirit would like to thank those who visited him at Baptist Hospital and those who kept him in their prayers the past few weeks. Special thanks to his cousin Pat Heitz and great friend Marty Storch who were with him daily at the hospital. Pat will be hosting a Celebration of Life at Cunningham's on the River between 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024. There will be a graveside service held for Michael at Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Michael was an avid Kentucky Wildcat fan who also enjoyed boating, scuba diving, fast cars, music, and traveling the world. When in Texas he was a Houston Oiler and Texas Speedway season ticket holder. In high school he played bass guitar in a band called "The Alphabetical Order."
Michael was a proud member of the American Institute of Architects, The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and a board member of the Kentucky Derby Festival at one time.
Michael grew up in St. Matthews with two brothers. He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and St. Xavier High School. He had a paper route after his father died at age 12, and worked at Stauffer Chemical Company during the summers, while attending college. He was fortunate to have a neighbor, Sam W. Molloy, who was an architect and who influenced him to seek that as a major in college which he pursued.
Michael sought knowledge throughout his life:
• In 1975, he graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Architecture.
• In 1982, he obtained an associate degree in management and business at UK.
• In 1984, he was awarded a master science degree in community development from the University of Louisville.
• In 1988, he obtained a Master of Public Administration from Southwest Texas State University.
Michael started his public service career with the City of Louisville as Assistant Parks Director from 1973-1976. He briefly worked for Larry E. Wright and Associates, Architects, Inc. in Louisville from 1976-1979. He returned to public service as a deputy for code enforcement/ public building construction and public works transportation in Jefferson County for six years.
In 1985, he moved to Austin, TX for 18 years working in public service in multiple director positions. He had a reputation for his ability to "fix problems." His work included resource management; building safety, planning and development; parks and recreation; and watershed protection.
In August 2003, Michael returned to Louisville after a national search as Director of Metropolitan Parks. He stayed for 12 years, leaving in February 2015, saying it was a job he said he always wanted. Jerry Abramson hired Michael and said he was known for being a "change agent and fixer."
Michael said to be successful as Parks Director, one had to be a "generalist." One of his co-workers said she viewed Michael "as well rounded and equipped to handle a myriad of issues as it relates to government. He was amazing and admired."
In Louisville he viewed his career highlights as (1) getting Metro Parks nationally accredited in 2007 becoming one of only 73 parks and recreation agencies in the nation, (2) being a key contributor behind 21st century parks 2005 initiative, (3) starting the Parks Foundation as a philanthropic fundraising arm of Metro Parks, (4) capital improvements and expansion of playgrounds and spray parks, and (5) running a nationally recognized robust parks department in challenging times.
Mayor Greg Fisher summed up Michael's career in Louisville Parks: "Mike has been an excellent visionary leader for our parks. Through his leadership, our city parks added new features, new activities, and became more accessible and engaging for all our citizens."
In summary, Michael loved his job, his friends, his good times with his wife Leslee, and all his dogs. He tried to enjoy life to the fullest. In high school, he played wide receiver at St. Xavier. As famed football coach Vince Lombardi said: "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." Good catch Michael.