Mike Heisserer

PLANT CITY, Fla. — Joseph Michael "Mike" Heisserer died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Plant City at the age of 72.

Mike was born June 10, 1950, in Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Heisserer (David Pelton); stepson, Chris Dohan; siblings, Skip (Patty) Heisserer, Mark Heisserer, Paula (Dennis) SheaCalvert, Dan (Tanya) Heisserer and Becky Heisserer; sister-in-law, Jerrie Heisserer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Glennon A. "Bud" and Frances Saline Heisserer, and his brother, John Heisserer.

Mike was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He worked hard throughout his life, leading Heisserer Oil Co. in Chaffee, Missouri. He later lived in Douglasville, Georgia, where he shared his love and knowledge of fishing while working at the Sweetwater Creek State Park. Mike enjoyed his retirement in Dover, Florida, where he spent most weekends freshwater and saltwater fishing with his brother, Dan.

Mike held his family dear and taught many lessons through his example and way he lived his life, with hard work, common sense and quiet leadership. With Mike, his daughter, Jamie, and his nieces and nephews shared countless days fishing, catching turtles, riding in the back of the truck, and riding up and down the hydraulic lift at the station. He was always patient, even when his prized lures inevitably ended up in tree branches after being unintentionally launched there by one of the kids. Mike was a dear friend and mentor to many, and everyone cherished his friendship.

Mike's lessons of kindness and patience that touched so many lives will be treasured memories for those who were the beneficiaries of his friendship. May those lessons continue in his memory through all of us who love him. Heaven's lakes are stocked with God's Glory and big fish ... Enjoy, Mike!

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Veterans Fishing Organization at www.vfohome.org, Project Healing Waters at www.projecthealingwaters.org/donate or Nativity Catholic Church at www.nativitycatholicchurch.org.

Obituary is courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel.