Mike Heideman

Michael David Heideman, 70, Green Bay, passed away after a 10 month battle with cancer, on the morning of Saturday, June 30, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on March 29, 1948 in Appleton, WI, to the late Sherman Heideman and Rita (Rechner) Heideman.
On Aug. 22, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Sally Kranhold of Appleton, WI. They joyously raised their two sons, David and Jen (Porath), twin granddaughters, Hannah and Isabella; Timothy and Julie (Senecal), grandson, Charlie. He is also survived by his sister, Jean (Don) Broman and his brother, Bob (Kathy Muntner) Heideman; in-laws, Roberta and Bob Westphal, Linda and Tom Roemer, Karen and Richard Bodoh; and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Mike attended St. Joseph Grade School and Xavier High School in Appleton, WI (Class of ’66). He earned his Bachelor Science Degree and Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Mike participated in athletics (basketball, football, track) all throughout his schooling. He knew from his early high school years that he wanted to teach and coach. Starting first in Augusta, WI, then adding to his dream of teaching and coaching at his alma matter, Xavier High School for eight years. Another dream pursued when he entered collegiate coaching at St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI. For the next 17 years he was both assistant and head basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. On to Valparaiso, IN, for one year, then he became assistant basketball coach at Washington State University for six years. He completed his career back in Wisconsin at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Neenah as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. He was a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches for 35 years. Receiving numerous awards during his career, he was always most appreciative of his players, students and many coaches he worked with, for they all inspired him. For that he was so very thankful!

He loved doing things with his family and spending time at the lake up north. When at the cottage he enjoyed many water sports. Mike was an avid reader, often reading two or three books at a time. During retirement he volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Claude Allouez Council.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Robert and Mildred Kranhold.

Family and friends may visit at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr., Allouez, on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 9:00am to 11:45am. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated for Mike at 12noon at the church with Fr. Tim Shillcox, O.Praem officiating. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorial funds are being established in Mike’s name.


The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Schmitz of Prevea, the doctors and staff of Green Bay Oncology and Unity Hospice Services.