Christopher “Chris” J. Heille

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.