John Oscar Heine said goodbye to his family on December 22 and the Lord welcomed him, so he could be united with his wife, Nancy. John was born on July 5, 1927 to Henry and Katie Heine in Zap, North Dakota. The Heine family established their home on the Southside of Billings for John and his 9 siblings. At age 13, his first job was working at the Sugar beet Factory throwing 50 lb. bags of sugar. Learning to work hard at an early age, but also realizing the importance of quality family time served as the cement that strengthened the family unit. He attended school at Billings Senior High earning himself a scholarship to MSU Bozeman where he continued his passion for football. As a Junior, John was a member of the Hall of Fame team in 1946 as the halfback for the Bobcats and played in the Harbor Bowl. Later, he was offered a contact to play for the New York Giants, but declined.

In 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Lee Nye and enlisted in the Army. While in the military, they welcomed their first son (Tim) which began his love relationship and genuine care for children. The family returned to Billings and soon after their second child, David, was born. John was involved in the Nye’s Dairy, a family business, until he purchased the Heights Frostop. After selling the Frostop twice, he and his son, Dave, operated Billings Sweeping. Every business was an undertaking for the entire family.

John was known by many as friend, a coach, and some were lucky enough to call him brother, husband, uncle, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Papa. He was a man of high morals, integrity, and Christian principles wanting only to help others to see their true potential and to do their best. John was involved in whatever his family dreamed up, whether it was home improvement, golf, baseball, football, decorating cookies, gingerbread houses, or painting Santa pictures to decorate the house. Singing Christmas carols, summer picnics, watching fireworks, eating German dishes, playing games outside, watching lightning storms, and spending time with the children of the family were some of his favorite things. John knew how to relish the simple things, but worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of. He enjoyed the social times with the “Potluck Investors’ group, fishing, bowling, Bridge, golfing, and traveling especially during retirement.

John leaves behind a brother, his two, and two sons and daughters-in-law [survivors names omitted].

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the charity of one’s choice.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 2pm Monday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will be in Mountview Cemetery.--Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary