Jeffrey Alan Heileman

Jeffrey Alan Heileman of Fremont, Ohio, affectionately known to his family as "The Kidd," passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2026, at age 64.

Born on May 14, 1962, Jeff carried a fierce devotion to family and a sharp intellect that defined everything he did. He was famous for his great sense of humor and was always ready with a sardonic response, delivered with a perfectly deadpan expression. Though he was divorced and had no children of his own, he held the undisputed title of the world's best uncle. He absolutely adored his niece and nephew, who wholeheartedly loved him back and cherished his unforgettable, goofy antics.

He graduated from Fremont Ross High in 1980 and shared his talents on the trombone in the high school marching and symphonic bands. He was later a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He was extremely close to his older sisters, who were also engineering graduates from OSU. The trio shared a deeply special bond, spending two to three overlapping years together on campus supporting each other's dreams. Fueled by an insatiable, lifelong passion for learning, he later went on to pursue multiple advanced degrees, earning Masters’ Degrees in both Accounting and Human Resources.

In March 1988, he answered the call to duty and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. Over a distinguished 22-year career, he traveled the world. His deployments and duty stations took him across the globe to Puerto Rico, Australia, and Tokyo, as well as domestic assignments in Norfolk, San Diego, and Naval Station Great Lakes. He served honorably and received numerous medals, badges, and citations.

Upon his honorable retirement from the Navy in November 2010 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8), he transitioned his technical expertise to a successful second career at MillerCoors, serving as a licensed Power Plant Operating Engineer. Following his retirement from MillerCoors in 2022, he showed the true depth of his generous heart by moving back to his hometown of Fremont, Ohio, to selflessly care for his ailing mother.

He filled his retirement days spending time with his sisters and cousins, gardening, and honing his culinary skills, a talent he learned working as a restaurant chef during and after college. A passionate chef, he loved cooking traditional Polish food to honor his Polish heritage. He produced scratch-made pierogi, gołąbki, and sauerkraut balls, and he even crafted his own kielbasa. When he wasn’t in the kitchen cooking gourmet meals or tending to his garden, he was happiest outdoors, walking and playing with his beloved rescue dog, Bosco.

Left to cherish Jeff’s memory are sisters Renee (Heileman) Rowe and Michelle (Heileman) Lindsey, both of Dayton; his cherished nephew and niece Richard Rowe and Silver (Katherine) Lindsey, also Dayton residents; many beloved cousins, including Marcia Kiser and Jerome Kiser, who shared weekly lunches with Jeff; and his faithful companion, Bosco. He was preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Phyllis Heileman and father, John Heileman.

Jeff’s absence leaves us heartbroken and he will be deeply missed. His creativity, quick wit, kindness, and selfless devotion left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

There will be no viewing/service, but the family will host a casual Celebration of Life luncheon with military honors on January 9, 2027, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Crystal Arbors Banquet Hall (1800 E. State St., Suite N, Fremont, OH 43420). Family and friends are invited to share stories, memories, laughter, and a light meal.

In honor of Jeff’s legacy, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org, the Sandusky County Dog Kennel at https://sanduskycountydogkennel.com/donate.php, the Humane Society of Sandusky County at www.humanesanduskyco.org, or an animal shelter/rescue facility of the donor’s choice. Notifications of your generous donations may be sent to the family at kiddsibs62@gmail.com.