John Leonard Heichelbech, age 62, of Plymouth, died Saturday, May 9, 2026, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus following an unexpected illness.
Born July 24, 1963, in Crestline, John was the son of the late Harold Anthony and Mary Louise (Vogt) Heichelbech. John attended Shelby High School and soon thereafter began working at Shelby Country Club for 5 years before spending 15 years at General Motors in Ontario. For the last 26 years, John was employed by Shelby Oakland Cemetery as a caretaker, from where he retired in 2025.
John was a simple man who enjoyed simple pleasures, especially fishing and vegetable gardening.
John is survived by his brothers: Mike Heichelbech, Jim Heichelbech, Joe (Julie) Heichelbech, and Dan Heichelbech; his aunt, Marilyn Vogt; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister: Joann Heichelbech; nephews: Derrick Heichelbech and Blake Heichelbech; and sister-in-law: Debbie Heichelbech.
Graveside services and burial will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery in Shelby with Deacon Steve Vogt officiating.
Care for John and his family is being provided by Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on their website at penwellfuneralhome.com or on their Facebook page.
We are so sorry to hear about johnny. prayers for you all
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Hugs and prayers for you all through this difficult time. ❤️🙏😇
Johnny will forever be one of my most favorite people. He was a great person and will be loved and missed by everyone around him.
Very sad news to hear, prayers go out
To the family.
prayers to the family. I ‘d known john sense Jr. high. he was a good friend to me. he will be missed.
So very sorry to hear this news. My deepest sympathies to my cousins. May John rest in peace for eternity.
sorry for your loss, he was our neighbor for about 10 years. he will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear about John, he was such a good guy. Prayers and thoughts are with the family
expressing my condolences to the heichelbech family for the loss of their brother,may they embrace all their memories and find peace he’s with the lord
So sorry to hear about your brother. Prayers & hugs to all
So sorry to hear of John’s passing, Prayers
Prayers for the family. Rest in peace my friend. Sis,Dan
sad to hear this I went to school with him, Rob Patton.
Sorry to hear this news. Many good memories from when your mom lived next door. John and my dad became good friends when they lived on Henry Rd.
Today I want to tell the Heichelbech family I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a kind man. He was my dear friend from way back and I saw him working at Oakland Cemetery and walked over and talked with him and a few of his fellow workers. He smiled at me and I said back to Kentucky I go. He took great care of the cemetery, my dad’s grave as well. Fly high John! You will be missed. Praying for your brothers 🌹🙏🏻🌹
Lori Bowman Thompson
My sincere condolences to the Heichelbech Family. So sad to hear about John, i grew up with you 5 boys, St. Marys, Church, K of C outings, and your farm. One Memory sticks out, Harvesting Chickens! Although I havent seen any of you in a long time, my memories of the Heichelbech Family will always be there. Fly High John!
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of John. He was a good friend I met years ago from the CB Radio, back then I was Bigfoot (Darla Kress) My thoughts & prayers for peace & comfort for his family & friends 🙏💙
To Mike, Jim, Joe, and Danny sorry for your loss. Have a ton of great memories with John and all you guys from back in the day! Rest in peace ol buddy