Leslie John Heiden

Leslie John Heiden, age 86, of 1514 South 15th Street in Escanaba, passed away early Thursday morning, February 14, 2019 at U.P. Health System – Marquette. He was born on October 27, 1932 in Escanaba, the son of Dr. L.J. and Marie (Greis) Heiden, D.V.M. John grew up in Escanaba and was a 1950 graduate of Escanaba High School. Following graduation, John attended Michigan State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1955 and majored in Animal Husbandry. In March of 1956, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country as a corpsman until he was honorably discharged in March of 1958. John married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Dubord on July 9, 1960 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Together, the couple shared 58 years of marriage and raised 3 children. John was employed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as an inspector for 30 years. He worked in the foods and standards-weights and measures division. He later was employed for the Delta – Menominee Health Department as a registered sanitarian until his retirement. After retirement, his favorite pastime was working on crossword puzzles and watching the Michigan State Spartans play football and basketball. In the summer, John enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Gra-al Shores in Stonington where he enjoyed fishing for perch, hunting for partridge, and waterskiing. He also always looked forward to deer season in the fall at camp. John and Shirley also enjoyed trips to Hawaii and wintering in Orange Beach, AL for many years. John was a family man and always went to his cottage in Stonington any chance he could. John loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren as they meant the world to him. John was a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Leslie John Heiden is survived by his wife, Shirley Heiden of Escanaba; sons, Leslie John Heiden, Jr. of Escanaba, and Jeffrey (Tina) Heiden of Escanaba; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Heiden of Escanaba; granddaughters, Allyson Heiden, and Amanda (Jesse) Zambon; great-granddaughters, Ruby Ann, Violet, and Lilly; brother, James (Betty) Heiden of West Chester, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Jane (Heiden) Degnan.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Delta County Veterans Council. Funeral services celebrating the life of Leslie John Heiden will follow with Father Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the Anderson Funeral Home Fellowship Area. Entombment will take place in the Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance

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