Gerald W. Heist

Gerald W. “Jerry” Heist, 89, of Oley passed away on Saturday morning September 24, 2022 at his residence with his wife by his side. He was the husband of Leona (Flicker) whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Born on October 19, 1932 in Hyde Park, he was the son of the late Ralph L. and Kathryn (Smith) Heist.

Jerry was a 1950 graduate of Oley High School. He was a Korean War Veteran, enlisting and serving four years in the Navy as an aviation electrician from 1952 to 1956. After the Navy, Jerry worked for Western Electric / AT&T for 32 years as an electrician in construction and the Tool Room. He retired in 1991 at the age of 58.

Jerry loved sports, hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, and most of all fast pitch softball. At Oley High School he lettered in 5 sports. He played softball for 27 years, the last 12 of which he spent catching for Rising Sun a world class team. The State Championship teams of 1962-63-64 were inducted into the Berks Chapter of the PA State Hall of Fame. In 1968 while catching for Rising Sun in the PA Major Softball League, Heist was selected to the All Star Team. In 2010, the Rising Sun Team was the first and only team ever inducted in the PA State Hall of Fame. Jerry also had the privilege to catch Ty Stofflet, the best softball pitcher in the world. He retired from the game he loved in 1974 at the age of 42. Jerry was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he was on council and was the secretary for many years.  

He was a member of BUCK CAMP XII a hunting club in Tioga County, where he served as treasurer for many years.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated nurses and staff of Promedica Hospice for their dedicated service to Jerry for the past 3 months.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Kerry Heist, husband of Sue of Blandon; stepson Steven Focht, husband of Kelly of Laureldale; and stepson Perry Focht, husband of Diane of Grand Junction, CO. Also surviving are 3 Grandchildren: Bradford Focht, Erika Focht, and Jeremy Heist. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Doris Burkhart and Shirley Ohlinger.

A visitation will be held October 8th from 10-12pm at Stitzel Funeral Home, 423 Main Street, Oley PA. A funeral Service will be held at 12pm. Burial will be in Lobachsville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The ProMedica Hospice Memorial Fund. 2201 Ridgewood Road, Suite 180. Wyomissing, PA 19610, or online at PROMEDICASENIORCARE.org/giving.

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