The son of Frank Herman and Helen Irene (Moore) Heideman, Jerry was born in Spokane, Wash. on May 1, 1933. His father was an employee of the Quaker Oats Company during the Great Depression and the family moved frequently; Jerry spent his childhood in Spokane, Tucson, Ariz., Butte, Mont., Billings, Mont., and Portland, Ore. He graduated from Portland’s Grant High School in 1951, and attended college at Portland State, the University of Oregon, and Gonzaga. He ultimately earned his B.A. in history at Eastern Washington University. He spent the summer of 1953 at Quantico, Va. as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Jerry met the love of his life, the former Colleen Cooke, in Spokane, and they were married in 1957. They shortly after moved to Portland, where they raised three loving children. Jerry was a jack-of-all-trades and spent his career in the apparel, computer, and construction industries. He & Colleen moved to Atlanta, Ga. in 1987.
He was a devout Catholic, an avid reader & student of history, a lover of music, a great dancer, and an ardent Republican. He also looked great in a tuxedo. He was a loving son and brother, a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a doting grandfather.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Colleen Stupfel. He is survived by his widow, Colleen; and three children: Michael (Luanne) Heideman of Tokyo, Japan; Jeannie (Ron) Stewart of Atlanta; and Teri Heideman of Atlanta. Nine grandchildren survive him as well: Alexander (Maya) Heideman of Alexandria, Va.; Connor (Maggie) Stewart of Atlanta; Logan Moore of Atlanta; 1st Lt. Jackson Heideman, USMC of Stuttgart, Germany; Matthew Stewart of Atlanta; Audrey Heideman of Dallas, Tex.; Rebecca Stewart of Austin, Tex.; Charlie Stewart of Tuscaloosa, Al.; and Mark Moore of Atlanta.
A requiem mass will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta.
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul, my God, in you I trust.”
