From Deanna:

“I just talked to the life sharing organ donation administrator. Jerry was able to help 30-40 people with his donations.
He donated his corneas, several bones, muscle, skin for skin grafts, ligaments and soft tissue.”


Jerome Ted Heitschmidt

Jerome Ted Heitschmidt (Deacon Jerry), age 62, of San Marcos, CA formerly of Yorkville, IL passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, CA.

He was born on July 29, 1957 in Chicago, IL the son of Ted and Eleanor Heitschmidt. 

He is survived by his wife, Deanna Heitschmidt: his son, Dustin Heitschmidt; his brothers, Ted Heitschmidt and Daniel Heitschmidt; his sisters, Debra Kozlowski and Sandra Garcia; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Early Days

Jerry was united in marriage on June 14, 1986 at Mooseheart, IL to the former Deanna Lee and they spent the next 34 years happily together. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, CA. Mr. Heitschmidt served his country proudly as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Careers

Jerry retired from a 30 year career in marketing & communications and was currently working as a licensed realtor in the State of California. Jerry was ordained in the Diocese of Joliet, IL in 2011. He served as a deacon at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yorkville, IL from 2011-2013 and then at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, CA from 2013 until his death.

Ordination

Jerry was ordained in the Diocese of Joliet, IL in 2011. He served as a deacon at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yorkville, IL from 2011-2013 and then at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, CA from 2013 until his death. He truly was ordained for service to both God and the Church. He was available any hour of the day or night for an emergency or just to chat about “Wassup?” a saying he said often. He served with such enthusiasm and was an inspiration for many. 

Charter Grand Knight

Jerry was the Charter Grand Knight for Knights of Columbus Council #14463. He started the St. Vincent DePaul chapter in Kendall County, IL. He was involved in many ministries throughout the years and always had a passion for helping the persons in need and visiting the sick.

Fun

Throughout his life, Deacon Jerry enjoyed traveling, sailing, scuba diving, snowmobiling and was a licensed pilot. He recently was learning how to surf.

Jerry’s big smile and laugh was contagious and he made friends wherever he went. His faith in God was shared with everyone and he truly wore the face of Jesus.

In Memoriam

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #9022, Carlsbad, CA.

Knights of Columbus #9022 website

Knights of Columbus #9022 Facebook

A Beautiful Life Well Lived

Dedication of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue
in memory of Deacon Jerry. October 16, 2021