Jerome Heyer

Deacon Jerome (Jerry) Ervin Heyer, beloved husband and father, passed away on October 17, 2010, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. Jerry was born on June 21, 1937 in Neenah, Wisconsin to Ervin and Julia Heyer, who preceded him in death. He was married to Beverly (Bev) Jean Heyer for 52 beautiful years, their love for one another growing more as each year passed. Jerry and Bev had one daughter, Katherine, whom Jerry has joined in heaven. Jerry will be deeply missed by his four sons, David, Steve (Sandy), Mark (Mary), and Ken, and his seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Alyssa, Cody, Jesse, Marisa, Austin, and Sadie. As the oldest of six children raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jerry was a loving, big brother to his four sisters, Judy (Don) Bitler, Mary Reinhart, Barbara Franczyk, and Karen Daneman, and his younger brother, Mike (Roylene). After attending high school at St. Francis Seminary, Jerry attended Marquette University in Milwaukee where he received a degree in engineering and met his wife, Bev. A job offer brought them to southern California where they lovingly raised their family. Jerry and Bev enjoyed many of their years in Thousand Oaks, happily building and rebuilding their home. His engineering career offered him many challenges and opportunities to travel the world. Jerry also sang in St. Paschal's choir along with Bev, and they both enjoyed thirty years of sharing their marital wisdom with couples in Engaged Encounter. Jerry's dedication to his faith led him to a higher calling, and on June 8th, 2002, he was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church. He and Bev joined the Holy Cross Catholic Church, where they devotedly served their parish in Moorpark. Jerry passionately enjoyed preaching and offering compassion to his parishioners. Jerry became a leader to his peers and was a mentor to the Santa Barbara Deacon Classes of 2007 and the upcoming class of 2011. Jerry will always be remembered for his heartfelt preaching, his contagious smile, and his deep, powerful singing voice. Two of his greatest joys, along with spending time with family and friends, were being able to to baptize others and proclaim the gospel. A visitation for Deacon Jerry will be held Wednesday, October 20th, from 5-9pm with the vigil beginning at 7pm located at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Moorpark. A Mass for Deacon will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at 10:00am also at Holy Cross Church in Moorpark. Inurnment will be with his family on Friday, October 22, 2010, at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Simi Valley. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Deacon Jerry's honor Memorial donations may be made to: Moorpark Catholic Charities, 609 Fitch Ave Moorpark, CA 93021 (805) 529-0720