Michael Alan Heider

Michael A. Heider, age 80, of Springfield, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. He was born on November 26, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of the late George and Betty (Herdman) Heider.

Soon after graduating from Northwestern High School, Michael went on a blind date with Janet Thomas, who would soon be his forever love. A couple years later they married on September 1, 1962 and began the adventure of life together.

In October of 1963, their first-born daughter Cheryl arrived and together they had a family. When his next two daughters arrived, Michael knew that his life will forever revolve around his family and he was wrapped around their fingers. He worked tirelessly to support his family and even held four jobs at one time to make sure they were taken care of. He was always encouraging and supported them in every activity they participated in and always enjoyed watching them in 4-H. Many times Michael would lovingly and jokingly tell people that the reason he has white hair was because of having three daughters. He loved them with all his heart and everything he did was for them and his wife.

Michael was always on the go and never stopped. He would tinker around to keep busy and enjoyed working on his old classic cars, one of which was his prized 49’ Ford. As the girls got older, he and Janet loved travelling to Gatlinburg and Las Vegas, hitting the casino’s near and far and taking walks through nature just to spend time together. He enjoyed making friends and visiting with old ones at the Machinist Club, Moose Lodge, the Eagles and the Union Club. Michael recently told Janet that he was going to make it back to these clubs to catch up with his friends and enjoy time together. No matter what they were doing, or where they went, whether alone or with family, he valued every minute spent with the ones he loved.

After 41 hardworking years, Michael retired from Navistar. He kept himself busy with his love of farming, kicking back and relaxing while watching Nascar and The Ohio State Buckeyes play or just being outside and taking in the nature. No matter what it was that Michael did, he poured his heart and soul into it and made sure that his family was the center of his life.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Cheryl Heider; and brother, George D. “Dave” Heider.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet Heider; daughters, Melissa (Tom) Lindsey and Michelle Cordell; grandchildren, Travis (Alysha) Grimm, Tyler (Amanda) Cordell, Courtney (Caleb) Dersch, Whitney (Jeff) Mettler, Taylor Cordell and Tory Cordell; step-grandchildren, Karey Lindsey, TJ Lindsey and Jared Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Beau, Harper, Alayna, Elliana, Bristol, Hazel, Chloe, Goldie and Rhett; brother, Steve (Gwen) Heider; sister, Rosemary Carstensen; brother-in-law, John (Deanna) Thomas; sister-in-law, Patricia Broering; close friend, Richard Parrett; numerous nieces and nephews; and his special dog, Bailey.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 4-5p.m. at Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center with service to honor his life beginning at 5p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Research Institute National Headquarters, 29 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10006-3111. Condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.