Timothy Michael Heikkila

Timothy Michael Heikkila passed away at home in Thomasville, Ga. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 with his devoted wife, Monteen Heikkila and their 2 fur baby pups Coco and LuLu. After a courageous battle with a long illness, Heaven gained an angel and the music became a little livelier as his son, Tobin and other family members welcomed him with big smiles and open arms.

Tim was born June 22, 1949 to his parents, Alice and Eino Heikkila of Superior, Wisconsin. He graduated from Superior Central High School and the University of Minnesota.

Tim was a quiet, unassuming man of many talents. All that knew him admired Tim’s characteristics. He was thoughtful, helpful, respectful, kind, and considerate of others just to name a few of his qualities. He loved helping anyone with a project. Tim openly adored his wife, children, granddaughter, and pets. Anyone could see how much family meant to him.

Tim was famous regarding his track and field accomplishments. As Superior Senior High School Track Team Captain, Tim Heikkila, represented Superior and Wisconsin for three years as Wisconsin Jaycees High School State High Jump Champion, setting the state record as 1967 High School Jump Champion. He held the University of Minnesota Freshman High Jump record in 1968 and was Big Ten High Jump Champion in 1969, with the first 7' jump in Big Ten tournament history. He was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Athletics Award in 1969, and NCAA All-American Honors in 1971. Captain of the U of M Track Team, Tim was named to the USA Track & Field Team for placing 3rd in the USA AAU National Meet in 1971. He represented the USA in international competition and ranked in the top 10 for high jumps in 1969, 1970, and 1974. Tim came very close to qualifying for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. He ranked 7th in the World for High Jump in 1971, and won the Minnesota Master Championship and the National Masters in 1990. Tim won the Florida State Senior Games High Jump title for the 60 to 65 age group in 2010. Tim was inducted into the Minnesota Track and Field Hall of fame in 2000 and the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame in 2008. Tim was a Superior Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee in 2012. In 2007 he was inducted in the University of Minnesota “M” Club Hall of Fame.

Tim retired as a Director of Corporate Accounts Manager from the State of Florida, Department of the Lottery, where he worked for 22 years. Prior to his work with the Lottery, he worked for Clairol Company for 13 years as a District Sales Manager. He was recognized for numerous achievements and for his outstanding job performance. He was also proud of recognition from the Florida Governor, Rick Scott. In 2014 the Governor sent him a letter thanking him for attending a Cabinet Meeting, and he had a photo opportunity with the Governor.

Tim had many interests that made him and his family happy. He was a self-taught 12- string guitar player, and he loved playing Leo Kottke’s music. He could often be heard playing Leo tunes from his music room.

He enjoyed many art forms such as woodworking, baking beautiful homemade breads, cakes, cookies, and donuts. He always paid close attention to detail while being creative.

Tim and Monteen loved traveling the United States, Canada, and European Countries. Tim was an avid reader of nonfiction, particularly books on World Wars, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Wright brothers, the Titanic, and the Egyptian Pyramids.

Tim was a mentor to many and friend to everyone he encountered. He was the “go-to guy” who would always have a kind and encouraging word and the time to make anyone feel special.

His beloved wife of 22 years, Monteen Heikkila of Thomasville, GA; his beautiful daughter, Jessica Woolman; son-in-law, Jason; and his precious granddaughter, Tobin of British Columbia, Canada, survive Tim. His brother, Jerome Heikkila, and sister-in-law, Jan, of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law, Cecilia Heikkila of Great Bend, KS; and his sister, Lola Marks of Superior, WI, also survive him. His parents, Eino and Alice Heikkila; his son, Tobin Heikkila; and brother, Lee Heikkila, predeceased him. Tim is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Tim’s quiet acts of kindness set an example for so many. The next time you admire a nice piece of woodwork, a 12- string guitar, or see star athletes push themselves, think of Timothy Heikkila with a smile.

A Celebration of Tim’s Life Well Lived will be held at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home located at 700 Timberlane Road in Tallahassee, FL on May 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM.

Tim’s favorite color was blue! So wear blue, “if you got it” to the celebration. Tim’s favorite saying was, “One of these fine days”, and Monteen finds herself using that phrase too.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWoodFuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of your choice, The Thomas County Humane Society, 180 Big Star Drive Thomasville, GA 31757, or Thomasville History, Center P.O. Box 1922, Thomasville, GA 31799.