Brett Heitkamp
October 03, 2015
Brett Heitkamp, 22, passed away on October 3, 2015. Visitation will be held Friday, October 9, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines and the funeral service on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnston Evangelical Free Church, 9901 NW 62nd Ave. in Johnston, IA. Private family burial will be at Lincoln Cemetery in Polk City, IA.
Brett was born on February 28, 1993 to Le Ann and Dean Heitkamp. He attended Johnston High School and was a 2015 graduate of Buena Vista College in Storm Lake where he played basketball and was involved in ministry. It was Brett’s dream to play and coach basketball overseas.
Grieving his loss are his mother, Le Ann Heitkamp and step-father, Ron Van Wyngarden; his brother, Taylor Heitkamp; his grandmothers, Mary Jean Beecher and Rita Heitkamp; aunts and uncles, Coleen Heitkamp, Janet Heitkamp, Nick and Margo Kubik, Mary and Dodd Bader, Lynne and Carl Kuldell, Paula and Brian Harrington, and Jason and Sara Kubik; step-siblings, Eric, Emma, Scott and Michelle Van Wyngarden; and his many dear and special friends. Brett was preceded in death by his father, Dean Heitkamp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Johnston Evangelical Free Church or to Sports Ambassadors. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Robert and Linda Dickerson
10/14/2015
We are so sorry to hear of Brett's passing. We only recently met Brett through the Mercer Elite Athletic Academy at Atomic Number 26. Brett's basketball talent and passion for sports will be missed.
Crystal Cook
10/11/2015
Dearest, Le Ann
I have no words or wisdom to comforted you in the loss of your son,Brett.
My first thought was o he is with he father how they must be enjoy catching up and praising our Lord together.
What i would like to do is extend a listening ear any time day or night.
I would love hearing you tell me all about your son, and share with me your tears, tell me about your hearts pain.
You are not alone. Our God is able to hold you tight and get you thought this season of your life ,, Crystal Cook
call, text me anytime day or night. I will be praying for you. My email - czcook1@gmail.com or czcook@earthlink.net , cell - 712-299-3754
In the love of Christ. cc
Lary & Patty Gunville
10/11/2015
Our sympathy & prayers to Brett's family. We were Beaver basketball fans last year and for many years before. Always enjoyed watching them play. Remember him well.
I am sure he is at peace with Jesus.
Jessica Hansen
10/10/2015
I've known Brett since I moved to Johnston in 2002. He immediately welcomed me into a new environment with laughter and a smile. He was so kind to everyone he encountered. He will be missed by all. I'm so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
Todd, Mary and Spencer Cook
10/09/2015
It was with great sadness we learned of Brett's passing. We have many fond memories clear back to elementary school when Todd had the pleasure of coaching Brett. Spencer had the pleasure of watching him play when he came to Simpson and we remembered all the good old long days spent at tournaments. Please know all our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time. God Bless you all
Leann Goldsmith (Claussen)
10/09/2015
LeAnn, I can't imagine the grief you must be feeling but I hope it helps to know you have so many people who care about you and your family. It sounds like you have so many wonderful memories of your son, I hope these bring you some comfort and peace. I am praying for all of you.
Doug, Sandy, Ryan & Adam Johanson
10/09/2015
Our sincerest sympathies to Le Ann, Taylor, Ron and family. Brett was a fine young man and will be deeply missed by many. I will always remember the sparkle in his eye and the pride Brett would exhibit when we would have our chats about BV basketball. He was always a very proud brother when attending Taylor's games. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish the memories as they will last forever.
Eric Bryan
10/08/2015
I used to coach at Grand View and I remember Brett from basketball camps and watching his growth as a player through high school. Brett and the other Johnston kids were staples at GV as campers and staff from 4th grade on. When I heard of his passing my heart sank. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him and the family.
Nancy Marshall
10/08/2015
I hired Brett as a freshman for a work study position in the Office for Student Affairs at BVU and I have had the privilege of being his supervisor for four years. During that time all of the staff in our office formed a warm relationship with Brett; but for me, he was special to me, he was my buddy even though he may not have realized it. What a sweetheart! I remember how I laughed when I stood by Brett because I came to his hip! And I remember how excited I was to see him after the summer break. We all loved Brett and enjoyed the few weekly hours we got to have him among us. Not only did he do a great job in the office, he was so much fun to be around and we loved to joke and kid with him. Brett and Brady and I had some good conversations; something I will always be grateful for. Brett is a wonderful young man in every way; he has positively affected more people in his four years at BVU than some people will affect in their lifetime. I love Brett and will think of him often. Heaven definitely received another angel this week!
Tom, Annette, Luke, Eleanore, Amelia, Suzannah, Et
10/07/2015
Dear Le Ann, Ron ,Taylor & Family, Our entire family was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved son. We followed Brett's major milestones over the years through Colleen's and Janet's adventures and stories. We had the privilege of having Brett in our home several times, the most recent in June. Brett had a magnetic, warm personality &smile....a genuine "people person". I fondly remember Brett assisting our son grilling steaks and honestly thought a 911 call should be made because of the massive flames. We ate charred steaks, talked of his recent college graduation and his pursuits in ministry and basketball. It's hard to understand when tragic events like this happen and we wonder how this can be in Gods plan; we can only rely on our faith that He is a good and loving God who loved Brett even more than we do. We pray by Gods grace, over time you will be comforted knowing that Brett is now sitting at The Great Banqueting Table! Please accept our deepest and sincere sympathy. The McNamara Family
Eli Geisinger
10/07/2015
My condolences, thoughts and prayers to Brett's family. My connection to Brett was when I was seeing him play basketball for Buena Vista. He worked hard at his game, contributed whenever he could and was happy to contribute. We know Brett is in a better place now and I pray for his family.
Kelli Belden
10/07/2015
Le Ann and Ron and Taylor: We are so sorry for your loss. Rod and I are praying for you.
Melanie Griffin
10/07/2015
What an awful loss for so many people and for the world. Brett seemed to have such a bright future and clearly brought joy to everyone he knew. I only met him a few times when and he and Taylor were visiting Colleen and Janet in D.C., but he was obviously a special guy. I am so very, very sorry for the grief and pain that you must all be experiencing. May God give you the peace that passes understanding as you travel through this dark time.
Bob Peitzman
10/07/2015
Le Ann and family: I am so very sorry for your loss, and for the heartache that you are experiencing. Please know that Brenda and I are praying for you.
Julie Probst
10/07/2015
I had Brett in Geometry his sophomore year in high school. I still remember him as a friendly, well liked guy. He will be missed greatly. My prayers go out to you.