John W. Heille

John Wallace Heille of Isanti, Minnesota, died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a three year courageous struggle with  colon cancer. He died on his 66th birthday, September 2nd. ​John grew up in Shoreview the second oldest child of Wallace and Margaret. He graduated in 1970 from Mounds View High School.  John is proud to have served his country as an Airborne Ranger in the Charlie Unit 375th division. John is the father of: Allison (Desmond) Jenson, Thomas (Emily) Heille, and Jacqueline (Guthrie) Hohlen. He was married to their mother, Lisa (Hambleton) Heille from 1980-1992. The past 25 years John spent with his partner, Virginia Maudal. John is grandfather to four children. John worked with his hands for his whole life. A master electrician by trade, he worked at United Defense (FMC) for 21 years in a variety of positions.. He was the president of local 683, the United Auto Workers from 1991 to 1999. He owned his own electrical business for years, and was especially known for his woodworking talent. John had a lifelong passion for astronomy. A personal highlight was witnessing two total solar eclipses. John worked with motors, restored several custom cars and enjoyed bringing them to car shows.  John loved motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidsons, and took multiple long bike trips.  John is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Margaret, and his brother Richard. He is survived by his partner Virginia Maudal, his siblings Mark (Jane) Heille, Charles (Joyce) Heille, Michael (Lora) Heille, Christine (Duncan) Bosley, his children,  grandchildren, Uncle, cousins and many nieces and nephews, life-long friends, and his loyal and loving dog Nali.  An informal wake will be held from on Wednesday, September 5, at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home in Roseville (2130 N. Dale St. at Co. Rd. B) from 5-7 PM. Please come with stories, photos and memories to share.  A private service and burial for family will be held at Fort Snelling.​