Service Information
Christopher “Chris” J. Heille, age 74, of Norwood Young America, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, 3:00 P.M., at the Church of the Ascension in Norwood Young America, with interment following in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 P.M., one hour prior to the mass at church.
Obituary
Christopher graduated from De La Salle High School in 1968. His greatest joys were his family and serving others in whatever capacity he could.
Self-taught in several disciplines, Christopher was a musician, historian, craftsman, counselor, and caregiver. Always ready to share from his experience or from what he learned from others, the breadth of his knowledge and the joys that accompanied his passions were contagious for many of the lives he impacted. From behind the steering wheel of a yellow cab or school bus, or helping families find a home, his efforts were focused on people, relationships, and his faith. He had an infectious desire for reading and knowledge that led him to be a board member of the Carver County Library and various other committees, too numerous to list.
Chris loved to travel on the road, typically taking a route of discovery or curious interest. Yes, that usually involved taking the least direct path available. His example taught his children and his grandchildren to find their purpose in life and run after it. He understood that your purpose may be waiting behind a door or a road sign marked "Do Not Enter." Do Not Enter was his invitation to discover a bigger context and understanding. His rebellion of taking a road less traveled and respectfully moving past a restriction was a measure of his courage and curiosity. It educated him in the kinds of knowledge he passed along to anyone with a similar spirit.
His passing gives him the opportunity to be a whole person again in the memories of those who knew and loved him. While he handled cancer with as much grace as circumstances allowed, he hated how it diminished his personhood. Perhaps the perspective Dad would have shared with us all is this: “Today, a difficult chapter has ended, and now a better one can begin.”
Christopher is survived by his
Wife, Denise Heille;
Children, Christopher (Lori) Heille, Taumi (Nate) Wilson;
Grandsons, Trenton (Katie) Heille, Miles (Gabrielle) Heille, Grant Wilson;
Granddaughters, Sylvia (Alex) Johannes, Bailey Heille, and Eden Heille;
Great-grandsons, Llewyn, Jules, Anthony, Christopher, and Ryder;
Great-granddaughters, LucyMae, and Francis;
Sisters-in-law, Rosemary Heille and Diane Westphal;
Many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.…..Chris was lovingly considered “Grandpa/Papa” by many.
Christopher was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ledwina (Kraemer) Heille; sisters, Rita (John) Maginnis, Shirley (Arthur) Graczyk; brothers, Nick and Bernie Heille.
Zane Schaefer says
Oh no! So very sorry Family Heille! Chris and all of you are very special Human Beings to so many!
Peace to you all!
Brenda Schmitz says
I’m so sorry Denise, may our loving Lord comfort you and give you His peace, much love and hugs to you.
Siri C Kabrick says
To Dee, Christopher, and Tammy–My sympathies on this heartbreaking loss and peace be with you all.
Jo Heille says
Such a loss for our world. Chris was one of the smartest, gentlest person I knew. He was always thinking of others. He will be profoundly missed by all. Hugs and prayers for Dee (his wife) and all the rest of his family.
Don & Darlene Dammann says
Chris’s Family,
We are so very sorry to hear this. Our deepest sympathy.
Don & Darlene Dammann
Julie Kuenzel says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Chris. He was such a a kind and giving individual. Sending prayers to the family. Would have liked to attend the funeral but won’t be in Minnesota at that time, sorry.
Jim Lawson says
You are at peace my dear friend. A great man with a wonderful spirit. You will be missed but we will carry you in our hearts. I’m sorry for your loss Dee, Chipper and Tam.
Nathaniel Forbes says
I was on the picket line with Chris at Yellow Cab in January, 1976. I will remember him fondly. I’ve passed on this news to Dick Say (now 83 years old), who remembers Chris as I do.
Stephanie Wells says
My world expanded in ways I never imagined when I met my cousin Chris for the first time.He gave me the gift of my mother, Rosella bringing her to life for me.My world will be sadder
Pastor Geoff says
Taumi, My sympathies as you transition to life without your beloved father. May your good memories and the lessons he taught you be of comfort and inspiration in the coming days.
Katie Feltmann says
So sad and sorry to hear! My girls loved and miss Bus Driver Chris! He was always so kind and always gave me a ? at the bus stop when they were seated! He will be missed!