John William Heesemann

John W. “Jack” Heesemann of Camillus, died peacefully in his sleep at home, Wednesday, July 13, 2011, on his 91st birthday. Born in Brooklyn on Tuesday, July 13, 1920 to Charles Diedrich Heesemann and Marie M. “Grace” Kroog, he graduated from Manual Training High School. He was active in Boy Scouts and the school swimming team. John served in the Navy during World War II as a radio man on the USS Savannah. He retired after 47 years with Mutual of New York as an administrator in the real estate department. John was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church and served many years as treasurer. He was a commander of the American Legion Post 1540 and served 13 years on the board of the MONEY Federal Credit Union, retiring as a director emeritus. He enjoyed swimming, golfing, skiing, reading and playing bridge, as well as entertaining with family and friends. John was predeceased by his brothers, Charles Diedrich Jr. and Paul Henry. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, the former Dorothea Scheidtmann; daughters and son-in-law, Gail Meyer of Camillus, Janice and Randy Cherkis of Millburn, New Jersey and Marjorie Heesemann of Camillus; granddaughters, Stephanie and Colleen Meyer, and Breanna Cherkis; niece, Ruth Heesemann Mannix; and two grand nephews, all of Florida. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 23 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael's Lutheran Church. The family will greet friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be private in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 5108 W. Genesee St., Camillus, NY 13031 or to one’s favorite charity.