Jack J. Heeger 1930 -2009

HEEGER, GROSSMAN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/22/2020 at 22:24:38

Sioux City Journal
7 July 2009

Jack J. Heeger

SIOUX CITY - Jack J. Heeger, 78, a former Sioux City resident who worked briefly as a reporter for the Journal, died Friday, July 3, 2009, at his residence in Napa, Calif.

Mr. Heeger was born Oct. 18, 1930, in Sioux City, to Lester and Etta (Grossman) Heeger. He graduated from Central High School in 1949 and worked briefly for the Sioux City Journal, first reporting on Central sports and later as a feature writer for the Sunday section. While residing in Sioux City, he was a member of Shaare Zion Synagogue. After serving for two years in the U. S. Marine Corps, he moved to Los Angeles, Calif., and worked for UPI before entering the public relations field.

He was a longtime southern California public relations executive and journalism professor. He spent nearly 40 years in public relations, serving with several agencies and later as vice president of public affairs for Sunkist Growers Inc. After achieving an MBA degree at age 55, he embarked on an academic career, teaching public relations and journalism at California State University, Long Beach. He retired in 1992 and was elevated to emeritus status.

He was also well known within the jewelry industry, having consulted with the California Jewelers Association in a public relations capacity for more than 35 years. In 1996, he retired to Napa Valley, where he continued to write for several wine publications and was a wine columnist, copy editor and feature writer at the Napa Valley Register, a Lee Enterprises newspaper and sister publication to the Journal.

He is survived by his wife, Heddy; three children, Lloyd (Leah) of Dallas, Texas, Marshall (Oksana) of Fairfax, Va., and Laurie Averitt (Darren) of Monrovia, Calif.; three step-children, Ymke Swierstra of Santa Marie, Calif., Andrew Swierstra (Charlyene) of San Ramon, Calif., and Lynda Puerling (Thomas) of Santa Marie, Calif.; a sister, Maita Sadoff of Sioux City; and 10 grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fern who died in 1987.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 815 38th St., Sioux City, IA. 51104.