March 15 1939 July 30 2019
Douglas’ Obituary Big Rapids – On July 30, 2019, Douglas G. Heeter began another in his series of lifelong adventures. As he embarks on this journey, his family and friends wish him well. Doug’s life full of adventures began on March 15, 1939 in Holland, MI. His parents Eugene F. Heeter and June Halstead Heeter had no idea what adventures awaited as parents of a joyful, precocious child. He treasured many stories of growing up with his brothers, Steven J. Heeter (Helga Carpenter) and Mark H. Heeter (Susan). Sixty years ago on July 3, 1959, Doug married Patricia Bower in LaGrange, Illinois. They started their new adventure together and raised three children who provided many more family adventures and stories. Geoffrey Heeter (Kyle) Lansing, WV; Kari-Lynne Clark (Joe, COL Ret.), Big Rapids; and Kristopher Heeter, Big Rapids. And whether they call him Grandpa or Opah (Old one in Afrikaans), his grandchildren and great grandchildren adore him. Amber Johnson (Chris) and daughters Isabelle and Avery, Big Rapids; Erin Heeter, Washington, DC; and Cameron Heeter, Morgantown, WV provide many moments of joy for Doug and his family. For thirty-four years as a Professor of Management and Insurance at Ferris State, “Doc” brought his own style and spark to the classroom. In 2003, he was inducted into the Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame. He also participated in the Oxford Round Table in Oxford, England. In the fall of 1975, Doc arrived at FSC, the same year Rick Duffett arrived as the first coach of Ferris State’s new hockey team. Since that first season, Doc has attended virtually all of the games. In 1980, he organized and was the founding president of the hockey support group, the Blue Line Club. Doc and Pat also hosted many students for home cooked meals. Treasured memories of travels include South Africa and Zimbabwe while hunting and sightseeing; England, including a summer sabbatical at Lloyd’s of London, Scotland and Wales; Sweden and Norway as well as throughout the United States. Doc enjoyed summer music in the Big Rapids’ parks, particularly if the concert included a few rousing Sousa marches. Stained glass candle holders and window hangings created by him continue to delight family and friends. The sale of donated pieces benefitted Artworks throughout the years and in 2014, Doc and Pat were named the Artworks Patrons of the Arts. Doc and Pat were long time members of The United Church of Big Rapids, The family requests no flowers and there will be no services. Donations may be made to the United Church children’s ministries, 120 South State Street, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 or Artworks children’s programs, 106 N Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307. Please embrace your family and do something fun like play a game, watch a movie, walk the Riverwalk, go fishing and spread joy as Doc, Dougie, Doug, Dad, Opah, Grandpa, and Uncle Duggie would like you to do. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas G Heeter March 15 1939 July 30 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Big Rapids, state: Michigan