Jon G. Heitz, 79, passed away on January 1, 2024 at the Watertown Regional Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Madison, WI, the son of Gilbert J. and Virginia E. Heitz and lived in Lake Mills, WI where he graduated high school before attending and graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a teaching degree. Jon taught Social Studies at the Middle School level in the Whitewater school system for 39 years and retired in 2006. Jon loved teaching. In addition to teaching the standard curriculum, he taught his students practical lessons in understanding the impact of advertising on purchasing, the evaluation of product durability and reliability and fiscally responsible shopping. Jon wholeheartedly believed that knowledge is power, and students are capable of learning and understanding more than they believe is possible.
For over twenty years, Jon organized and ran the Little Giant League baseball program in Lake Mills for players aged 8-13, while also coaching many teams to championships. He started the Lake Mills Babe Ruth team for players aged 13-15 and had many successful years and season championships. Throughout his 20 years of coaching, Jon taught his players the importance of strategy, hard work, patience, respect, teamwork, and fun, often saying, “baseball is life.” The city of Lake Mills honored Jon for his years of dedication to the youth of Lake Mills by proclamation officially declaring June 17, 1989 as Jon Heitz Day.
Jon was a loving husband to his sweet and loving wife, Kathleen Willms (Kathi), a wonderful stepfather to Megan and “papa Jon” to Makinley, an amazing brother and role model to his siblings, and a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and great uncle to his family and extended family. Jon was witty, kind, and generous. For more than 30 years Jon hosted legendary Christmas celebrations at his home, with an extensive gourmet spread and a mountain of gifts. Jon had an incredible sense of humor, and many of his gifts reflected his sense of humor, resulting in raucous laughter when each gift was unwrapped. Jon lived what he taught: never stop learning; knowledge is power; life is what you make it; remember to have fun while tackling the challenges of life; and love others with wild abandon. Rest in peace Jon, we love you and will miss you!
Jon was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Virginia Heitz, his brother Jay Heitz, stepson Joseph Kellner and his sister Jean Heitz-Johnson. Survivors include his wife Kathleen A. Willms, her daughter Megan (TJ) Gile, their daughter Makinley, his brother Jac (Ruth) Heitz, niece Meghan Johnson and her daughter Neah, nephew Nicholas (Morgan) Johnson, their daughter Sloane and son Cohen. Jon is also survived by his extended family members (sister and nieces-in-law), Ernestine, Christin, and Sierra Braswell.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th from 11:00-12:30 with a service immediately following at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, 900 West Racine Street, Jefferson, Wisconsin.
All of Jon & Kathi’s friends and family are invited to stop by and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County. Online condolences may be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com
