John Heller
December 14, 2009
John W. Heller passed away on Monday, December 14, 2009 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. John was born on December 17, 1950 in Des Moines and was a graduate of East High School.
He was a prominent figure with the Salvation Army Community Center as a coach and a referee for the youth basketball program from 1967 to 1975 and the Director of the Basketball Program thru 1992. John was also involved with coaching softball and baseball at Grandview Little League and East Des Moines Girls Softball. He also worked for SuperValu Warehouse and the Food Bank of Iowa.
John is survived by his children, Thana and Jeff (Jason); three grandsons, Chris, Ryan and Eddie; sister, Janice (Scott) Shannon; six nieces and nephews and his great nieces and nephews, he will be missed by all. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary; and his brothers, Steve and Craig.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2009 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dee Martinson
12/18/2009
Molly, Tony and I have many fond memories of your father and his dedication to the Salvation Army basketball program. John was a good man who made a difference in the lives of many. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow. May you celebrate the many memories...
Connie Hernandez-Limke
12/18/2009
May God's angels comfort you in this time of sorrow. John was always kind to my family and was a great friend to all.
F.G. Miller
12/17/2009
The John Heller I knew can be summed up in 5 words: "He was a GOOD-GUY." May GOD grant you PEACE in your time of sorrow. My sincerest condolences.
F.G. Miller
Des Moines, Ia.
Elizabeth Johnson
12/16/2009
I got to know John while my dad and brother were both at On With Life. I'm thankful that through this past year we were able to spend time and get to know someone that brightened our day whenever we saw him. He was always there to offer a joke and to visit with us. My brother, Seth, and John had rooms next to each other and became good friends. John looked over Seth and they both offered each other a lot of encouragement and support. Seth misses John so much already. He was loved a lot by my family and we miss him dearly!
Dallas Johnson
12/15/2009
My son Seth and I were both residents at On With Life with John. My family and I got to know John real well and we loved to visit with him. We will miss seeing him and talking sports and roller coasters. He was such a good guy. Although we all wanted to get out as soon as possible John made it easier to be there. We'll miss you John!
Carole Johnson
12/15/2009
Dear Thana and Jeff ~
We were sadden to learn of your dad's recent death. He was a positive influence on many young people in the Salvation Army basketball league over the years. He will be warmly remembered by thousands of kids and their parents for his dedication to the program and the youth of Des Moines. Those were some exciting years and bring back special memories your family. Our sincere sympathies are with each of you at this difficult time.
Barb Cassler
12/15/2009
My daughter Elizabeth became very good friends with John at On With Life when they were both there. He was an awesome man, and will be missed!
Bert Reid
12/15/2009
He was a big part of my life as well as many others I have so many great memories of your dad and your family. (too many to count). Thanks to your dad for the memories and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. God Bless
Tim and Kim Knapp & Family
12/15/2009
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our family prayers will be with you at this time.
Tim,Kim, Joe and Stacey Knapp
2912 Indianapolis Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Cora Brooks and Jason Coleman
12/15/2009
Your dad was an amazing man and had alot to do with my childhood
Some of my best memories are from SACC
He will never be forgotten , My deepest sympathy
Cora Brooks and Jason Coleman