John Charles Heidler

  General Notes:

D-12 board chief dies of cancer



By SCOTT HERBSTMAN

Northwest Herald


If Johnsburg students were taking the stage, shooting hoops or doing just about anything, John Heidler was there.

Heidler, 66, president of the Johnsburg District 12 school board, died Monday morning at his home after battling cancer for a little more than a year.

Heidler died from mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to asbestos. The family is uncertain how he contracted the disease.

Friends and family said Heidler was a presence in the schools.

"He was probably the most active member we've ever had attending school events," retired Johnsburg teacher Randy Swikle said. "He just supported all the school and community functions, and was highly respected."

If there was a school event such as a play or sports event, Heidler was there, Swikle said.

He even remembered Heidler volunteering to help clear brush behind Johnsburg Middle School, 2117 W. Church St.

Heidler first was elected to the board in 1975, and had served as board president for the past 20 years.

"He was a consensus-builder," Swikle said. "John Heidler really had the expertise of finding the common ground."

School board Vice President Thomas Liston worked with Heidler for 10 years.

"Without any question, John always put what was best for the students of Johnsburg first," Liston said. "I'm going to miss him."

Liston said that even if other members disagreed with Heidler on an issue, they knew he was doing what he believed to be best for the students.

District 12 Superintendent Robert Gough said Heidler worked to the benefit of the students and worked well with the administration and other faculty.

"Johnsburg schools have been incredibly fortunate to be the recipient of John Heidler's leadership, caring and involvement for 28 years," he said. "There were no limits to the involvement he'd extend."

Heidler's wife, Joanne, said she and her husband tried to attend as many school events as possible. She said her husband had missed only one school play since the high school opened.

"He really enjoyed working in the board and helping the schools," she said.

Joanne Heidler said her husband was proud of his efforts to bring computers into the school system.

School board members have 45 days to appoint a new member, who will serve until next April when an election will be held.

"It leaves a real void because John was such an active, involved, perceptive leader," Gough said.

In addition to his wife, Heidler is survived by two children, Hans, 43, and Gretchen, 42.

John married Regina Joanne Florey, daughter of George William Florey and Elsie Mae Krause.