Mr. Jerry Dean La Heist

Jerry Dean La Heist, 70, passed away at his home in Pico Rivera, California early on Tuesday morning, January 29, 2013. Jerry was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on March 27, 1942 to Franklin & Margaret (Cure) La Heist. He was married to Alice Sanchez on April 16, 1967 at St. Benedicts Church in Montebello; together they had five children.



Jerry spent his adolescent years in Iowa where his family owned their own business. During high school, Jerry enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country. He was a remarkable asset to our United States Military, earning his Air Wings for air-rescue missions, as well as a Good Conduct Medal. After his military discharge, in Santa Ana, California, Jerry met his wife Nancy through her brother a member of Jerrys Marine unit. After their marriage, Jerry and Alice settled in Montebello.



Jerry was a Machinist by trade, and also very active in his community. He was involved with community organizations such as: the American Legion, the NRA, his local Mechanics union, as well as business associations in Montebello. Among Jerrys personal interests, he loved motorcycles. He was skilled with his hands and loved working on detailed projects. And he would never pass up the opportunity to go fishing. Some of his childrens fondest memories were of going fishing with their dad, and they will always recall his voice echoing throughout their home, saying, Get out of my chair as they settled in to watch a little television.



He is survived by his wife, Alice (Sanchez) La Heist; children, Nancy (Greg) Gates, Kathleen (Neil) Moody, Carol Iayala, Gregory La Heist, and Elaine La Heist; and grandchildren, Evelynn, Benjamin, Ethan, Jacob, and Emma.



A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11:00AM at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90601. Burial will take place at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date.