Herbert ‘Herb’ Eugene Heger

TRAVERSE CITY — Herbert “Herb” Eugene Heger, born January 28, 1938, in Cadillac, Mich., passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, with his loving wife of 61 years, Joni, by his side. Herb was predeceased by his mother, Helen Isabel Youry, and beloved uncles, Darrel (Winnifred) Matheson and Elwin (Pauline) Matheson.

In addition to wife, Joan “Joni” Heger, Herb is survived by his two sons, Tim (Diane) Heger, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Todd (Amy) Heger, Elk Rapids, Mich.; grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Hatch, Danielle (Gabriel) Gallagher, Paul Joseph “PJ” Heger, Guy Heger, and Dustin Heger; one great-granddaughter, Hazel Gallagher; Herb’s siblings, Don Kohnert, Sharon (George) Rawson, and James Youry; cousins Edwin “Jan” (Janet) Matheson, Paul (Polly) Matheson, and Thomas (Bonnie) Matheson; and Herb’s nephews.

Herb grew up in Roscommon, Mich., and shortly after graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Budingen, Germany. There, he formed lifelong bonds with his fellow servicemen, an experience he often reflected on. A proud veteran, Herb met Joni in Grayling, Mich., after serving his country and they wed seven months later in Alpena, Mich., on Dec. 15, 1962. Herb’s life was deeply enriched by Joni’s family; brothers- and sisters-in-laws, Rosalie (James) Kesseler, Sylvia (Jack) Ferguson, Joseph (Ann) Skowronek, Patrick (Linda) Skowronek, Annette (Michael) Kavanaugh; and many close nieces and nephews.

Herb’s banking career began in 1968 as a bank teller at the Roscommon State Bank followed by a move to the Cheboygan National Bank as a loan officer. His strong work ethic, aptitude with numbers, and outgoing personality eventually earned him another opportunity in 1972, which he accepted, running the loan department at Gladstone State Bank in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Shortly after his arrival, Herb became president at GSB (later changed to “Baybank”), a role he cherished and held until his retirement in 1998. His career had many highlights including establishing branch offices in Escanaba and Rapid River with the pinnacle occurring in 1990 when he was elected president of the Michigan Bankers Association by his peers. When recently asked what he missed most about banking, he responded, “the people.”

Herb actively gave back to his community through participation in civic organizations such as the Jaycees and the Lions Club. He was athletic, having completed two marathons, enjoyed playing golf “mainly for the time spent with friends,” was a talented artist, and his favorite and most skilled hobby was woodworking, the Heger home filled with wonderful craftsman-style furniture.

Upon retirement in 1998, Herb and Joni returned to the northern lower peninsula of Michigan to be closer to family where he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, and plays in Traverse City and Elk Rapids.

Herb’s love of family, sense of humor, creativity, and bright smile will be remembered fondly. To his many friends and family – thank you for your love, laughter, hospitality, generosity, and support over the course of his lifetime. Your friendships were his greatest treasure.

For those interested in sharing an expression of sympathy, please consider donating to Meadow Brook Care Facility, 4543 S. M-88, Bellaire, MI, 49615. Our special thanks to all the incredible caregivers at MBCF for comforting Herb and our family throughout this difficult year.

Home

In accordance with Herb’s wishes, cremation has taken place, a memorial service/Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.