John J. Heitz

John Joseph Heitz, age 98, of Wildomar, CA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 30, 2020. Born in Nebraska on August 10, 1922, he retired to Southern California in 1986 with his beloved wife Betty, who passed away on December 13, 2011 after 64 years of marriage. The two of them had settled in Wildomar, CA in 1994. John lived for the last two years in an assisted living home in Menifee.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, he joined the army during World War II, serving in the artillery during the last two years of the European campaign. After the war, he received his honorable discharge as Captain. He returned to Nebraska, where he received a master’s degree in agriculture, also from the University of Nebraska. In 1954, after a stint teaching high school vocational agriculture in his hometown of Schuyler, NE, he and Betty and their three children moved to Denver, CO, where he was employed by the Colorado Milling and Elevator Company. He had a very successful career in the flour milling business, serving as president of flour milling companies in Lamar, CO; Knoxville, TN; Indianapolis, IN; and Statesville, NC. He was also president of various organizations including the Rotary Club of Lamar, the National Soft Wheat Millers Association, and the Statesville Food Bank.

John was known by family and friends alike as a decent human being who possessed humor, humility, wisdom, and common sense, and who was quick to offer help to those around him. He was a great organizer, and his kids and grandkids like to note that he always had a plan for every gathering. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law John and Micki Heitz, son and daughter-in-law Bill and Leslie Heitz; daughter Mary Heitz, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

He is interred alongside his wife Betty at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to FISH & LOAVES, St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, 21591 Lemon St., Wildomar, CA 92595.

.