Howard Lester Heisig

MONONA – Howard Lester Heisig passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at home surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Howard fully believed in the promise of the second coming, and now sleeps in Jesus. The youngest child of Harold and Martha (Anfinson) Heisig, he was born on Oct. 12, 1928, in Columbus, and moved to Madison as a teenager. He attended Central High School where he was also on the cheerleading squad, and graduated in 1946. He met the love of his life for 63 years, Betty Lou Olson, while he was a stock boy and she was a “sample girl' at the Kroger food store in downtown Madison. They married on Oct. 16, 1949, and honeymooned in Niagara Falls. They loved to travel and enjoyed going on annual family vacations, visiting Mexico, Branson, Quebec, New York City, frequent ski trips to Colorado, and more. He is best remembered for being active in real estate and was a member of the Board of Realtors, doing property tours in a midnight blue diesel Mercedes Benz. Howard was always active in customer service and merchandising, greeting people with a kind word and a firm handshake. In 1998, he received an 'Over 50 Employment Service Award'. After retirement, he enjoyed time with his wife, family, and friends. He enjoyed music, loved to dance the polka, and sit and relax in his garden. He was an active member of the Madison East Seventh-Day Adventist church as a deacon, an elder, as well as serving on the social and greeter committees. Known for his exceptional appetite, he was the envy of many who tried to keep up with him, and Betty was the perfect wife who enjoyed cooking. He is survived by Betty, and their three children, Greg (Anita) Heisig, Julie (Kent) Ganske, and Jim Heisig; six grandchildren, Stefanie Heisig, Kristopher, Janelle, and Kalyn Ganske, James Jr. (Stacy) and Joshua Heisig; as well as two great-granddaughters, Brielyn Grace Ganske and Kylie Paige Heisig. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; a sister; as well as several cousins and in-laws. Our special thanks and appreciation to Becky Jacobson for her love and support to the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at MADISON EAST SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 910 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012, with Pastor Dale Bossenberry presiding. A private family interment will follow. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2012, and also at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude for the love and support of their church family, as well as the staff at UW Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare for their support and loving care for Howard. Cemetery: A private family interment will follow. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. A Celebration of Life will be held at MADISON EAST SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 910 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012.