John A. Heisman, BHS 1956

John A. Heisman, BHS 1956

John was born December 15, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. Passed away June 7, 2002 at the age of 64. He attended Emerson Elementary School, John Muir Junior High, Burbank High School (Class 1956), Glendale Junior College of Mortuary Science (Class of 1958).

He began his career in early 1958 at The Max M. Eckerman Funeral Service with Grace and Max Eckerman. In 1967, he bought the firm which became known as Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service. John and his sister, Jean, have worked side-by-side since 1961. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service eventually became Burbank's only family owned and operated funeral service. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service was voted "Best Mortuary 2000".

John was a member of the California Funeral Directors Association, a member of Burbank's first Junior Achievement, a member of Burbank High Boosters, a long-time member of Burbank Kiwanis, past President of Key Club, joined the Burbank YMCA and Leaders High Y, was one of the first leaders of "Gray Y" for elementary school students, served on Advisory Board of Burbank YMCA, was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, and served as a member on the Board of Directors for Business Homes Inc., formerly Wesley Homes (provides 521 apartments for seniors in Burbank).

John was a firm believer in and supporter of youth and youth activities. His great love of animals led him to Paul Owens' "Pets with Paws" and author of "The Dog Whisperer" who uses John's parking lot for dog training. His lifelong involvement with horses contributed to tremendous pride in his San Luis Obispo county ranch.

John was predeceased by his parents, Beth and Arnold Heisman; and his sister, Betzy Sue Soseman. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Don Siegel; one niece, Donna Jean Siegel; and one nephew, John D. Siegel, all of Burbank.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2002, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service. On Wednesday, June 12, 2002, there will be Visitation at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Service will be at 11:00 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 136 N. Sunset Canyon Rd., Burbank, CA. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to: The People-Animal Connection, UCLA Medical Center, 17-116 CHS, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Mail Code: 715916, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7159. ECKERMAN-HEISMAN FUNERAL SERVICE Directors (818) 846-2131

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on June 11, 2002