Todd "Willard" Heezen

Todd “Willard” Heezen

Todd, beloved son, brother, husband, father, coach, colleague, and friend, passed away on April 25th, 2026, at the age of 41.

Todd was born on April 27,1984, the son of the late Fred and Dolores (Kozlovsky) Heezen. He resided in Denmark, WI his entire life. He married the love of his life, Melissa DeGrand, on November 14, 2009, at All Saints Parish in Denmark.

Todd will be remembered as a man whose life was defined by hard work, dedication, and quiet generosity. He built his career at Salm Partners from the ground up, beginning on the line at case pack and earning his way to plant manager through perseverance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he worked alongside. Over the years, he formed not just professional connections, but lasting friendships that meant a great deal to him.

Outside of work, Todd found his greatest joy in his family. He was a proud and devoted husband and father who always put his loved ones first. He pushed his wife and two children to be the best version of themselves and work hard for their success. He was the best practice patient for his daughter in nursing school. He rarely missed a chance to watch his son play baseball, cheering from the stands with pride. He also loved spending time watching the Milwaukee Brewers. Whether he was watching from behind the plate at American Family Field, his chair in the living room, or from his desk at work, he hardly missed a game.

Growing up, he was put to work on his family's dairy farm, milking cows, doing barn chores, and working on farmland. As he grew up and started his own family, he never stopped occasionally milking cows and spending his Summers working land. He shared this love with his own family, teaching them the ropes of work on the farm.

As a coach, he guided and inspired others with patience and encouragement. As a friend and colleague, he was dependable, kind, and always willing to lend a hand. His presence made a lasting impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. To know Todd was to love him.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa, daughter, Addyson, son, Braedyn. Siblings Julie (Zane) Grieling, Debbie (Gregg) Schultz, Tammy (Leroy Philips) Goddard, Tim Heezen, Cindy Hummel, Mary (Nathan) Magley. Mother-in-law Jean DeGrand (Joe Giese) and sister-in-law Beth Higgins along with many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory forward.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, brother, Tom Heezen, and Jon DeGrand.

Todd’s legacy is one of hard work, love for family, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends may gather on Monday, May 4th, 2026 at Cotter Funeral Home, 536 Co. Road R, Denmark, WI 54208 from 3:00 pm until the 7:00 pm memorial service at the funeral home with Deacon Denis Kozlovsky officiating.

A special thanks to County Rescue, Ricky, Steven and all those that were with Todd in his last moments.