I love Dad for his smile,  his unique sense of humor,  his work ethic, his love of the Lord, his ingenuity, his intelligence, and his devotion to his family.  Dad was one of the brightest people I've known.  There wasn't a problem to be solved or a gadget to be fixed that he couldn't handle. He was well read and I cherish the conversations we had about a variety of books and topics.  He was a wonderful husband and father, for which I am exceedingly grateful, as Bryan learned from Dad's example and has followed in his footsteps.  There are many more things I love about Dad, but the thing I love most is that he opened his home and heart to me and treated me as one of his own.  I'm so happy that families can be together forever.

Until we meet again,

Kristi

I am imagining Grandpa Heller and Granddaddy Davidson increasingly obsessing over Family History together now that it is even more  a priority on the other side of the veil and that mortal bodily functions can't stop them now.  Grandpa gets to finally serve that mission he really wanted to go on. I am happy that Grandpa got to go from barely any memories at all to an eternal perspective within minutes. I also imagine Grandpa running and doing all sorts of physical activity now that he is not restricted in his frail body. Will he look young and handsome just like my Granddaddy saw my Grandmother in a dream after she died of cancer? One could hope!! I Love You Grandpa and hope to see you someday!!!

As a fellow physics lover and fantasy nerd I always enjoyed our conversations. Whether it was discussing the possibilities of future space travel, or teaching me about how radios worked, or geeking out about magic in Harry Potter, there was never an awkward moment. I'm looking forward to the day we can talk about all we have learned and will learn in the hereafter. I'm so glad you are my Grandpa.

I love you,
Heidi

I was a checker at Safeway when I noticed a very handsome man at my check stand who had a great smile. I confess my stomach gave a flip and I smiled right back. From then on we both noticed each other with big smiles. One of my fellow coworkers teased me about my smiling so. I couldn’t help it.  I noticed his name on his uniform shirt said “Jack”.  I had some car trouble and at that time there were not many repair shops. I took a chance and went to Morris Motors and asked if they had a “Jack” working there. I heard immediate teasing and someone calling “Jaaack”.  I struck gold. That was the beginning of my great love story. 

The love story continued and we were married by a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints bishop in Reno with just our friends as witnesses.  No matter what went on in our lives over the years with ups and downs our love was strong. We always tried to be respectful of each other even if our outside interests were different. Mine was music and singing, his was auto racing or technical things. We supported each other. We went to church together with our 6 children and both held many positions our whole lives. We were sealed in the Oakland Temple and knew that we are a forever family. That knowledge enables me to know I will truly, “See you later!”


I’ll always remember Grandpa’s infectious smile. We love you Grandpa!

As his grandchild, when I think of grandpa I remember how Grandpa could always be found with a smile and a joke. These weren’t  just any jokes though, these were “Grandpa Jokes” - famous in the Heller home. These Grandpa Jokes consisted of puns or funny sayings such as “butter puts hair on your chest.” 

My favorite Grandpa memories include getting “picked up by our ears” by him, being told that sweet pickles and smoked oysters would put hair on my chest, and seeing his smiling face attend all of my theater shows growing up! Grandpa left behind a legacy of four sons who are great fathers to their own children, and two daughters who are amazing mothers. Love you, Grandpa!

This is the story about the warm anchovies that Uncle Jack sent to me in 2013.  It was so entertaining that I wanted to share it.

Jul 18, 2013

Dear Gigi,

I kicked your comment about in my mind for a few days and just had to answer.  Because . . . It brought memories, mostly.

The comment was, "Warm anchovies, huh? Blech!  ;-)"

Really, I am not offended.

First thought was that perhaps you possibly skewer your anchovies in kabob fashion and freeze them; thus making a unique popsicle treat.

Then I thought how anchovies are sometimes added to pizza; not one of my favorites. But still another way to partake of a favorite yet often overlooked delicacy.

But it goes deeper -- I have pleasant memories of room temperature anchovies because . . . and this may seem hard to swallow, but here goes:

Sometime, around my young and impressionable year of 16 I recall visiting a friend who would willingly share his can of anchovies with me. (I think it was my introduction to the succulent little fishes.) He would retrieve a can from his kitchen and open them and we would take one or two filets and place them on a slice of white bread and fold the bread to retain all the oily flavor, place them in our mouths and smile as we savored the delicate treat.

Honest, that is the way it happened.  A whole new world had opened. We should have patented the idea and we could be retired as the founders of the Fast Food Drive-In Anchovie francises. With a little promotional effort all those would-be 30 cent hamburger places would have been dead in the water. Everyone would be clamoring for the "secret recipe" for anchovies on plain white bread.

Just imagine what it would be like if the hamburger joints had remained and the common request would have become, "Do you want anchovies with that?"

Just the thought makes me reach to wipe my chin of the drippings.

Anyway, thanks for giving me the chance to reminisce.

Love, Uncle Jack 

Dear Uncle Jack,

It has been such a pleasure to know you.  After “discovering” each other in the summer of 2011, we bonded via email, where we exchanged sometimes lengthy messages about family history, automobiles, and computers.  I have saved many of these emails and re-read them often.  One of my favorites contains a story about a 16-year-old you and a friend eating anchovies on white bread.  Like so many of your stories, it’s funny, creative, and packed with bad puns.  

We met in person for the first time in the fall of 2011, and I was impressed by your warmth, your kindness, and your intellect.  I truly felt honored when you accepted me into your wonderful and talented family.  I will always treasure our time together.

Love and miss you.
Your niece, Gigi

My favorite memory with Grandpa was coming to Nevada for Christmas time as young boy. Oma and Grandpa's home was always full of family, decorations, sounds and yummy treats! I loved the kids room with the twin beds and playing for hours with hot wheels and other toys.

Christmas Morning was always magical as us kids waited and waited with anticipation until we could peek our eyes into our grandparents living room and see the presents that awaited us. Grandpa would always hand the presents out one at a time and the whole family would watch that person open their present. 

One of my favorite traditions was to help Oma make "little brown things." We would mix up the dough, fry the batter, and then mix the fried batter around with cinnamon sugar and eat until our little bellies were full to their brim. 

I love my Grandpa so much. I enjoyed talking about cars and computers with him. I love and miss his heartwarming smile. Grandpa you will forever be a wonderful example and role-model for me. I cant wait to see you again in the next life and give you a big huge hug! 

Grandpa, even though he wasn't my grandfather, Tamera and I fondly called him the same thing our children called him, Grandpa.  We will miss him.

I enjoyed talking with him about all sorts of subjects, we both had varied interests, from architecture to the theory of relativity.  It was fun talking to someone who would actively listen to what you were saying.  I appreciated his Socratic method of inquiry.  He wanted to learn, and he could teach.  Now and then we would talk about transmissions or engines, you could tell by the depth of his understanding and his ability to communicate that he was an expert.  We both agreed that if you were an expert at something you could teach it to a five year old, and he could.   I think we liked talking to each other because we agreed on many things philosophically; love of God and Country, family, church service, limited government, use of the military, etc.

He was a good man.  He was a Christian.  Galatians 5:22-23 captures his attributes beautifully.  He had the ability to size up someone's character rather quickly.  He had a quick wit, and a dry sense of humor.  I don't know how many times he said something, and I would start laughing.  People around me would just look at me and just shake their heads.  They didn't even know he had just told a joke.  I am sure they figured it out later.

I will miss him.  He was a good friend and a wonderful Grandpa.

Love,
Rett

From his humor to his radiant smile, Grandpa is one of a kind. I am so fond of all the time we have spent together. Though he is always busy doing something in the garage or his den or by serving others, he always makes time for his family, and he always makes you feel special. He always showed up to my performances, was a witness at my baptism, and always made it to my birthday. It's possible it's because we shared the same birthday month, but who's to really say? I am grateful for all the memories and guidance Grandpa gives me, and I look forward to an eternity more for the veil is thin and this is not the end.  Love eternally. 

Grandpa was one of the most patient people I know. I remember sitting behind him in his den while we waited for the exact moment when the space shuttle would be close enough to contact via his HAM radio. For a middle-school-aged young man, this was simultaneously the most boring and exciting thing I had ever done. Finally, it happened, an outer space response to Grandpa's coded message, "blah blah blah blah." I don't remember what was said I just remember how pleased Grandpa's expression was, and learned that you can have amazing experiences if you are just a little patient. . .even if you have to force yourself to be patient. 

Grandpa was fond of telling us ways we could get hair on our chest. I am happy to report that eating items like canned smoked oysters, tinkering on things, and watching Allan Quatermain did indeed put hair on my chest.
One of my favorite things to do whenever we went over to Oma and Grandpa’s house was to get lifted up by my ears. All the kids (siblings/cousins) would immediately run to grandpa and request he do this for us! We would hold onto his forearms, and he would lift us to eye level where we would be met with a huge smile! There was pure joy and love in that smile, and I was lucky to be on the receiving end. Miss you Grandpa. 
Love,
Tyler



Circle of Influence

•	We all have the choice to Influence others in our circle of family, friends and associations for Good or for Bad. 
•	My Father chose to Influence others for Good. Although he faced many challenges throughout his lifetime, he chose to be a Circle of Influence that made those around him feel his Love. 
•	One way he did this was through his smile! My parents met because of this skill! 
•	Being one of six children having alone time with Dad was rare. When Dad would race cars, one child at a time would go to Carson Speedway to watch him race and win!
•	When I was twelve I got to go with Dad to Stockton and we stopped often to take photographs. It was at this time I decided to save money and buy a camera so that I could develop a hobby with my Dad.  Mac had his ‘51 Chevy Truck, Dean raced cars & ran for public office, Tamie spoke of rebuilding her Maverick, Jack E wrote stories with Dad and Bryan loved Lucy, our Dog and besides that learned Amateur Ham Radio to share with Dad. 
•	What I learned from my Dad was: Respect, Honor & Integrity matters. Being a hard worker and doing a good job matters. I learned to be patient and kind as he was a good example of this. He had impeccable manners and one kept their elbows off the table! 
•	My father, Jack Heller was a legend and a hero to me. I was given a wonderful gift just two weeks ago. He whispered to me, “You’re a good kid!” I will cherish his esteem for the rest of my life. I know he would have said the same phrase to each one of my siblings. 
•	I love you Dad. Your circle of Influence has brought all these people, your family and friends together today. 


Thank you, Dad, for teaching us the Gospel, by word and by deed.  Thank you for teaching me that real tough guys get on their knees before the Lord.  Thank you for teaching me how to be a husband and father, and teaching me to work in this life for both the physical needs as well as our family’s spiritual needs.  I know you had faults, Dad, but they were not significant to me.  You are my unfailing role model.  Your lessons to me will last me the rest of my life, and will continue in the lives of my children and now I see that legacy continuing into the lives of their children.
We Love You, Dad!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Through Christ’s resurrection, he gave us a gift, that we, too, will be resurrected some day.  Thus, we need not fear death, as it is just a passage into the Spirit World that follows this life: back to our family members who have passed on before us, who are waiting for us.  In the end, we too will be resurrected into perfected bodies.  I so look forward to seeing my Dad in his prime, again, with all of his vitality restored!  

Through Prophets, our Heavenly Father has provided us with the Priesthood power to bind families together forever in God’s Holy Temples.  This promise that families can be together forever has been a great comfort to me throughout my life.  As a career Naval Officer, I was separated from my wife and children, as well as my parents and siblings for extended periods of time.  What gave me great comfort was knowing that through the covenants we had made in the Lord’s temples, that I need not fear.  I wasn’t always in the safest places in the world, but even though there was a chance I could leave this life early, I knew that this separation would be temporary, and everything would be alright in the end.  

How fitting it was to me, that as my mom began to become worried about my dad’s failing health, he comforted her repeatedly by telling her, “Everything will be all right.  Everything will be all right.”  As long as he had the strength to speak, he repeated this phrase to her.  As I stand here now, I can still hear his voice saying that to Mom, in a quiet, somewhat strained voice.  “Everything will be all right.  Everything will be all right.”  Dad’s faith in the Savior and His Plan of Happiness shown through in these words.    

The Gospel of Jesus Christ helps us to know where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going.  Before we were born into this world, we lived with our Heavenly Parents, who taught us as much as they could.  However, we were limited.  We needed to come to this earth, through a veil of forgetfulness, so that we could learn what it means to have faith instead of knowledge.  We could not have faith in God while we lived with Him, because we had a perfect knowledge of His existence, His perfect love and His infinite abilities.  Only after we left God’s presence, through the miracle of birth, could we learn to exercise faith in Him.  

Romans 8:16-17
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

On this earth we are free to make our own choices, both good and bad.  Our Father knew we would make some bad choices, so he provided a Savior, even Jesus Christ, who willingly suffered for all of our sins and inadequacies in the Garden of Gethsemane, if we will simply have faith in Him and truly repent, asking earnestly for his forgiveness, which he has promised us.  Our uncleanness makes us feel unworthy to stand in the presence of our Heavenly Father.  By paying for our transgressions in the Garden, the Savior made it possible for us to repent, so that we can feel clean and return to God’s presence.  Thus, Christ overcame spiritual death, which is the separation of our spirit from God.  


Even in his last days, Dad loved hearing messages by the Lord’s Prophet and the Apostles.  He was comforted in his trials when one of us would read scriptures to him, and this comfort helped him relax and rest from the concerns that swelled in his then fragile mind.

Dad exemplified the type of Enduring to the End that I want to strive for.  Many people think of the word “Endure” as in enduring things they don’t like.  This type of enduring is inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are taught that Men are that they might have joy!  

The type of enduring we need to do is similar to the endurance that distance runners and other endurance athletes enjoy, but in a Spiritual sense.  Distance runners, like my son Jakob, develop endurance by consistent, regular exercise.  They develop strength in their legs and cardiovascular systems.  When they run, they relax, and their bodies develop a desire for the next run.  So, too, we must develop our Spiritual strength and Spiritual Endurance by consistent, regular spiritual experiences, such as 
•	regular, meaningful prayer, individually and with our families, 
•	reading our scriptures individually and with our families, 
•	having meaningful discussions with our families,
•	going to church prepared to feel the Spirit, and 
•	seeking out opportunities to help and serve others.  

As we do these things, we develop our Spiritual strength and our Spiritual endurance, that will help carry us through hard times, to the end.  Dad’s spiritual strength and stamina, built by decades of service here in this building and in the Oakland and Reno Temples, carried him through when his mind and body gave way to the challenges of dementia and loss of muscular strength.  He stayed the course.


17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.
18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.
19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;

22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Dad had Faith in Jesus Christ.  He showed me this by going to Church every Sunday, and doing his best to carry out the duties of every position he was asked to fulfill in the church.  I know that as much as I looked up to Dad, that he wasn’t a perfect person, but he continually repented of his mistakes, and I could tell that he tried his best.  Dad didn’t grow up with the Gospel in his home and was introduced to it by Mom.  After seeing the very good effect that the Church had on his wife and children, Dad repented and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and thereafter received the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands under true Priesthood Authority.  Clearly, Dad endured to the end, serving in various positions until he just physically could not do them any more.  

Hope Through Christ

I am honored that Mom asked me to speak on this occasion, and in this capacity.  She asked me to share a spiritual message.  The message that I chose to share is simply that we can have Hope because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  There is great hope and comfort afforded us because of Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection.  

Of course, numerous discourses have been written on this topic, and we could spend many hours, days, weeks and months talking about the numerous nuances about this topic.  That just wasn’t how my dad taught this to me, though.  While Dad did teach me the gospel through his words, he taught it to me best by the example he set for me.  He lived the gospel of Christ to the best of his ability.  
  
What is the Gospel of Christ?  It is that we are to have Faith in Him, Repent of our sins, be Baptized by Immersion for the Remission of Sins, Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and Endure to the End.

3 Nephi 27:13-22 (I read only 13, 16, 20, 21, 22)
13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.


It was well understood that if he couldn’t find the old parts, he would manufacture a new replacement part in his garage.
  
This week I was at Smith Valley Irrigation picking up some parts.  The owner, Bill, had an old Buick up on a car lift with a big puddle underneath.  I asked if it was transmission fluid. He said it was and that he had just rebuilt it.  He asked if it was too late to get his old transmission guy out of retirement.  I told him it was and explained the situation to him.  As he began to apologize, I cut him off and thanked him for remembering my dad.

As a teenager, it wasn’t unusual for me to drop a date off on Friday night and then stop by his shop at 10 or 11pm, because the lights were still on.  He taught by example to his children, the meaning of hard work.  

As hard as dad worked, he always had time for his family.  Family Home Evening, sporting events, birthdays, holidays…. he always had time.  He introduced us to the “Great Chicken” at Halloween, powdered milk was always “dragon milk”, and multiple undesirable foods and undesirable activities “put hair on your chest.”

Our father was a lot of things.  He was a teacher, an author, an inventor, he tried his hand at bee keeping, and gardening. He was a Ham Radio operator, and was an expert at Morse Code. He was thoughtful, quiet, kind, honest, and inherently good.  But most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  We love you, Dad! 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


After much research dad joined the church, and Mom and Dad were later sealed to each other and to their children.  Dad went on to hold many positions in the church. From ward and stake to temple service, he magnified every calling.  Most important to him was home teaching--serving the spiritual and temporal needs of the members.  I cannot recall a single month that he missed his home teaching assignment. However, in a funny contrast, when dad served in the bishopric in the early 70’s, he was often chided by members for falling asleep during services.  Long weeks of hard work, (60 to 80 hours weren’t unusual,) and late, Saturday night racing would catch up with him on those extra-soft chairs up front.

Speaking of racing cars, dad’s nickname was Blackjack Heller.  Why Blackjack? Apparently,  it was the brainchild of a slick promoter.  All of us kids wanted to watch dad race, but only one child was allowed at a time.  So, every few weeks, it was your turn.  It was always the highlight of the summer to accompany mom to the racetrack.  Not only did dad win races and win championships, he also was president of the racing association.  Racing brings high emotions, and his steady hand at the helm during this period allowed for some of the best competition and entertainment in the track’s history.

As was the custom then, dad built all his own racecars.  Most of those cars were built at his auto shop.  For nearly three decades he owned Heller’s Transmission and Engine. He worked hard. In fact, his reputation was so sterling that years after he retired, shops from all around, as far as Sacramento and San Francisco, would drop off their late model transmissions at his home for repairs.  Because of his bad back, I would get the call at the Capitol Bldg. and on my lunch break set the transmission on his work bench.  No one was better at finding parts for old, cast iron transmissions than dad.  

He always bounced back.  His faith and God’s presence were always there in abundance in the operating room when needed.  Another example of his guardian angel was early in his racing career. Or as he would say, “back when racing put hair on your chest.”  No harnesses, no roll bars, no fire suits, no bucket seats, just old car seats from the junk yard. The sport was much more dangerous than it is today. Later he told me that even his own parents were disappointed in his participation.  

His father passed on to him a very important trait that served Dad well throughout his life.  His father was a good mechanic. Out of early necessity, the Great Depression, or sheer will and determination, Jack’s dad could fix most things that were broken.  Following in his dad’s footsteps, my father’s mechanical skills, too, served him well, rarely replacing a television, refrigerator, washer/dryer, or even the forced air heating unit in their home!  He could tear it apart, find the problem, and return it to working form. Even a few years ago, while in his eighties, he dropped the engine from our mother’s Mercedes in their garage to rebuild certain portions of that motor.  Thank goodness for that guardian angel!

My dad will tell you that the smartest thing he ever did was to marry our mother.  Who would have thought that romance was in the air with their chance encounter at the local Safeway where she was a checker. From that time forward, he would only shop at that Safeway, during her work hours, at her station.  If that’s not a love story, I don’t know what is .

My mom had a tremendous influence on his life.  When they met, my dad was not a religious man.  Mom had just joined the church and was assigned her first Sunday School talk.  Nervous about her assignment, my dad volunteered to help her write it.  The first time he had ever stepped into any chapel was to hear her speak.  

His family bounced back and forth between the midwest and the west coast throughout his childhood.  His dad served in the U.S. Navy, and later as a civilian employee on several military bases that moved them around, including stints in North Carolina and Michigan.  Throughout most of his youth, both parents worked. Due to this situation and their strict parenting style, they imposed on their son the “no friend” rule.  He was not to have any friends at the house, nor was he to visit any friends at their homes. It is an understatement to say that dad did not have a traditional childhood.  

So with all this time alone, he had to be creative.  When not doing his schoolwork, he immersed himself in his erector set, chemistry set, and a microscope set.  His parents later bought an Encyclopedia Britannica set and a large dictionary.  He read both cover to cover, and it opened up a new world for him. Needless to say, he had an exceptional vocabulary and excelled at spelling, no doubt, preparing him for the New York Times crossword puzzles that he completed in pen throughout his life. Fortunately, he did not impose the “no friend” rule on his own children.

Dad must have had a guardian angel sitting on his shoulder throughout his life.  For example, one of his earliest lessons on electricity came as he inspected an electric fence his father had just built to contain an unruly bull.  Though admonished by his father not to touch the fence, dad, bare footed, and standing in water,  promptly reached out and grabbed the fence. In his own words, “he received an unimaginable frenzy such that he couldn’t let go.”  He was rescued by his father who was casually watching nearby anticipating the curiosity factor. A second example of Dad being watched over was the fact that he was a modern, medical miracle.  He survived numerous major surgeries over the course of his life, including heart surgery, lung surgery, stomach surgery, intestinal surgery, and back surgery, just to name a few.  

Good morning, for those who may not know me, I’m Dean Heller, Jack and Janet’s second son, third oldest, and the favorite son……Just kidding, that would be my brother Bryan.  On behalf of the family and our beloved mother, we’d like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for your attendance today.  Many of you were with us throughout this journey.  Our thanks to the caregivers, rehabilitation centers, and hospital personnel for your patience and understanding. And to the VA for taking care of Dad over the years.  A special thanks to the Patriot Guard Riders for your presence today.  You set the perfect tone for today’s service. Our thanks to his church ward for constant encouragement, companionship, and ministry to both mom and dad.  They could not have coped without your love and support.

I’ve given this eulogy a thousand different ways in my head as the end drew near.  I hope I do justice to a man I love and revere
.
Jack Heller was born September 1933.  Not a good year for the country, nor for the world for that matter.  America was in the depths of the Great Depression. Unemployment was at 25 percent, a record high to this date.  And that year Adolph Hitler was elected Chancellor of Germany.  Tough years ahead for Jack and his parents.  I wonder sometimes if that wasn’t a variable as to why he was an only child.
  
Jack Heller was born to Charles Alfred Heller Sr. and Juanita (Blackburn) Heller in San Jose, California.  According to his own personal memoir, his earliest recollection began on a farm in Decatur, Indiana. Being at the height of the Great Depression in rural America, it wasn’t unusual to have outdoor plumbing; to carry water in from the well; and to have limited access to electricity.   He later attended a one-room schoolhouse that taught first through eighth grades.  He would later extol the virtues of the one-room schoolhouse, claiming that students learned faster by observing the older students and their habits.  


He gave me the gift of knowing God our Father, his son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost.
I know of his strong love and testimony for Heavenly Father and the Savior.  He told me, and he lived it.  This is my favorite memory of my Father; he knew if you lacked wisdom you could ask God.  When life was not easy he would say “life is complicated, but it’s worth it”!
I thank God every day that you are my Eternal Dad.  I love you forever and always.  I know you will be working for our family in Heaven.  Thank you, Dad. I will be listening for guidance as our Heavenly Father directs you to help us.  I love you.   You are definitely one of my Treasures in Heaven.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.           


We Love our Dad. He brought us a lot of joy, as he would spend time with us even in his busy, busy days.
He taught me honesty by how he treated his customers. Dad once worked for another transmission repair firm.  The firm wanted to sell a new transmission when that wasn’t the problem.  He quit on the spot, without regard to how he would feed his family. He called the customer and told them to come over to his house and he would fix the car for free.  And so, he did.  
He taught me to be self-reliant in High School by working together and instructing me on how to rebuild the engine to my car. I was 16 years old.  He wanted me to learn and had me do most of it by myself.
He taught me service through his many Church callings and his work at the Temple. I loved how he never complained doing service. He would travel to Oakland weekly for a number of years and camp out at the Oakland Temple parking lot, for the 5 days. He would come home to his other callings and not complain.
Dad was a story teller.  I wish we had all his tall tales recorded. He had what we called Dad-isms. The boys spoke of a few. He kept us entertained. Dad knew how to entertain because as Dean said, He had to entertain himself while growing up. He had his ways of making the family feel special. Such as individual dump runs, or errands, followed by a treat. We went to car races, going from the pits to watching him race.  He taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to.  Dad taught me to never give up.  He taught me when life got tough you could still be happy. He taught me to love, and to have compassion upon others.  Dad showed and taught us to love our spouse, through the example he had with my Mom.  He was not perfect, none of us are, but he was practically perfect in every way to me.  I never wanted to disappoint him.  I know I did some times, but it did not change his love for me.  Dad tried to be Christ like and in doing so, he gave me the greatest gift of all.  

Thank you all for all your love and support.
I want to express my love for my Dad, and a few things I hold near and dear to my heart. 
I always admired the extraordinary man he was. As a child I would tell my friends that he could do anything! He was the Strongest, Bravest and the Smartest. A real Super Man.
Throughout my life I watched Dad very closely. I wanted to be just like him.  Rett and I wanted our children to know and learn from their grandparents, so we moved back to Nevada to have that experience. As a result, our family learned so many valuable lessons in life. 
Our children learned through this decision many things from their Grandpa. He would play with them, let them help him in the yard, in the garage, and in the house. One time Everett was with him on the Ham Radio and they spoke to Astronauts on the Space Shuttle.
Dad did a lot of self-study on many subjects as my brothers mentioned. Rett and Dad would discuss subjects so deep it would go over my head, unless it was about family history, and then it would go over Rett’s head.  They would talk for hours. They would discuss Gospel topics, Astrophysics, Mechanical Engineering, Philosophy, Ham Radio, DNA, Politics and Science. We would discuss all manor of things.  I enjoyed their interaction, their focus, joy and laughing, regardless of the subject.  They would try to include me, and explain what they were talking about, but most of the time I would go do something with the Kids and Mom.
My Dad wasn’t loud, but he was a gentle giant, at least in my eyes.  Imagine after 12 plus hours at work, he would many times come home to six loud kids.  He would lay himself down on the floor, and would have six kids pounce on him.  He would wrestle and play with us. The primary songs rings true, “I’m so glad when Daddy comes home, glad as I can be.  I clap my hands and shout for joy, and climb upon his knees, wrap my arms around his neck, hug him tight like this, Pat his cheeks and give him what?  A great big kiss!"


When I first met Jack, I was 22 years old and a new member to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I revered this gentle giant of a man because I learned so much about being an LDS father from him by his example.  I only wish I had been better at following his example. He was always an outstanding example of a husband and Priesthood holder.  I always enjoyed visiting with Jack during our family trips to Carson.  His knowledge and intellect was enjoyable to tap.  We enjoyed conversations about cars and I know the kids loved those types of conversations also.  I have missed you and know my children will miss you.  Thank you for everything you have imparted into my being.   You are truly loved!!!

Jack always had a smile and a kind word.  I remember seeing him on the stand as he served in the Bishopric with that perpetual grin of amazing white teeth.  I have great memories of Carson City and the Carson City family I grew up with.  May God bless you and comfort you.

Our family has many fond memories of Jack.  One such was an occasion when our family had gone out to Brunswick Canyon to cut our Christmas tree and our Peugeot station wagon's shift linkage broke. We limped back into town in 2nd gear because that was the gear we were stuck in.  I brought the broken linkage to Jack's shop and he welded it together for me.  This was at a time when Jack preferred not to work on imported automobiles.  Consequently, he refused to accept payment for the repair.  We joked that he did not wish for there to be any record that he had ever worked on a French automobile.

The Jesse Family of Seven was blessed when Tamera Leigh Heller said yes to Everett "Rett" Jesse in 1980 and thus the relationship between the two families began.  Over the next four decades, we laughed, loved and cried as life meandered through the years. At the helm of the Heller Family was Jack Heller, a king of a man -  gentle and kind, funny and clever, and always with a good word to share. His famous smile is legendary and there was never a time he didn't share it with us all. He will be greatly missed, yet I know the family is comforted knowing they will be together again in heaven!

Beautiful funeral service.
Beautiful man.

I remember all the fun times in Carson City with the Heller family, but the one thing I remember most is getting stranded in Washoe Valley with a broken down car after we moved to Reno. John and Joshua were with me and for some reason Pat was not with us. Jack was so kind and towed us to his business and fixed our car. What a relief. I was terrified!

To Grandpa, Thank you for being the paragon of grit and patience that we all seek to be. I love you very much and thank you for introducing ketchup on muffins, unforgettable. 😁

Love, 
Ryan

OBITUARY

Jack Heller

September 29, 1933 – August 9, 2019

FitzHenry's Funeral Home

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