John George Heck, 79 of Spearfish, SD passed away on January 10th, 2025.
John was born July 18th, 1945, in Isabel, SD to Edwin and Rose Heck. John grew up on the Heck Family Farm outside of Isabel, and attended Timber Lake High School, graduating in 1963. He participated in plays, chorus, yearbook staff, school newspaper, Letterman’s Club, class officer, and was crowned 1963 Homecoming King. He excelled in athletics participating in Basketball, Football, Cross Country, and was part of the Championship State B Medley team in Track & Field.
John attended Northern University in Aberdeen for one year before he transferred to Black Hills State in 1964. He played for the Black Hills State Basketball team while he pursued a double major in art and industrial arts education. In March of 1967 while attending Black Hills State, John met his future wife, Loretta Jo “Jo” Cooley. John and Jo married August 26, 1967, and John graduated in May of 1968.
John accepted an Industrial Arts teaching position in Selby, SD in August 1968. After teaching for one year in Selby, he took an Industrial Arts and Art teaching position at Herreid High School in 1969. During his time teaching, John coached basketball, cross-country, and was a class advisor.
John and Jo moved to Spearfish in 1976 where John worked for his father-in-law, Clyde Cooley at Black Hills Painting Inc, eventually purchasing the business from him in the mid 1980’s.
John was a talented singer/song writer and guitar player. He played in several bands and many gigs around the state before meeting Jo. He was a founding member of Just Us (John & Jo) and The Heck Trio, John (Ugly John) on lead guitar and vocals; Jo (Good Looking Jo) on the bass guitar, keyboards and backing vocals; Bill Robinson (Average Bill) on drums. They played in many local bars and lounges, most notably The Rancher in St. Onge. The Heck Trio’s final performance was New Year’s Eve of 1984.
In 1993, John and business partner, Clair Donovan, founded the Stadium Sports Grill. John was able to embrace his love of food and sports. This success enabled John to sell Black Hills Painting and through the newly established D&H partnership with Clair, many new business ventures were born. The Stadium family included locations in Belle Fourche and Madison, Scoreboard Lounge, and what became his second home the Spearfish Stadium. He spent many nights at The Stadium in Spearfish hanging out, enjoying the company of customers, and his second family alike.
John was a member of the BHSU Foundation, he was an avid fan and generous donor of BHSU athletics. In 2020 he established the John Heck Athletic Scholarship Award. He attended many athletic events throughout the year but enjoyed men’s and women’s basketball the most.
John’s life took a dramatic turn when Jo passed away, May 21st, 2019. He cherished the life he was able to build with her and was thankful for the many memories of travel and joy they had with each other.
John reconnected with his high school classmate, Sheila Guffey. Through this reconnection of friendship, a lovely romance blossomed. John and Sheila were married December 4th, 2022, and were able to enjoy their time together at the BHSU athletic events, The Spearfish Stadium, snuggling with the dogs, doing puzzles, chatting or relaxing at either home in Spearfish or San Tan Valley, AZ.
John was such a kind, generous, and humble man. He may not have spoken many words, but he spoke bounds through his quiet actions. A man whose eyes connected to his smile through his big heart. He was one of the good ones and will be greatly missed.
John is survived by his wife, Sheila Heck; siblings Jim (Carol) Heck, Julie Chilstrom, Jean Wetzler (Daryl), John’s children, Jaci (GJ) Koehler, Joel (Tempe) Heck; Sheila’s children Shannon Elliott (Randy Benson), Shelby Elliott, six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Special Partner in Crime, Clair Donovan, dogs Bear and Biscuit. John is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Rose Heck, wife Loretta Jo Heck, sibling Jerome Heck, and son Jared John Heck.
Funeral services were held January 17, 2025, with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Memorial can be directed to the BHSU John Heck Athletic Scholarship. https://www.bhsufoundation.org/donate
Arrangements under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com
