Obituary of John "Jack" Joseph Heidbrink

Link to Funeral Services

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We are heartbroken to announce the death of John (Jack) Heidbrink. Jack passed away peacefully on February 17 th, 2023 surrounded by family, at the age of 80, after a long and well-lived life.

Jack was born on November 21, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, to Erwin and Lois Heidbrink. Jack grew up in Wilmette, Illinois. He graduated with honors from New Trier High School. Here he played football and earned a full academic scholarship to Dartmouth College where he continued to excel both academically and athletically, playing football for 4 years for the Big Green. Jack was a proud Dartmouth Alumni. He kept lifelong friendships with his fellow teammates, classmates, and fraternity brothers at Beta Theta Pi. Jack and his wife Sue met during their college years and went on to be married in 1967. The University of Wisconsin, Madison was their first home while Jack earned his master’s degree. From there they found their home in Burlington, MA where they raised their two daughters, Krissy and Kim. Jack taught history at Lexington High School for 35 years and was an assistant football coach. Additionally, Jack was a supervising teacher who mentored future educators through Tufts and Harvard University. As a teacher, he looked to inspire and challenge his students to use their critical thinking skills. His ultimate goal for his students was for them to leave his classroom having ‘more honesty, tolerance, and understanding in this world.’

Jack had a deep faith and was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Over the years, he served in multiple roles including; Senior Warden, property chairperson, Sunday school teacher, Vestry, Lay Reader, Chalicer, and search committee participant.

Jack’s family meant everything to him. He and his wife Sue, shared 55 wonderful years of love and devotion. They raised their daughters as a team, enjoyed trips to Europe, the National Parks, and countless other destinations. They created a family summer oasis at their home in Eastham, MA. It has and continues to keep his family close, strengthen their family bond, and creates endless memories filled with laughter and love. He was thrilled to become a “Grampa” to his five grandchildren, Becca, Rob, Joe, Sarah and Alli. Jack was always present in his daughters’ and grandchildren’s lives, going to all of their sporting events and activities. Jack was there to support them in their successes, important milestones, and when they needed a helping hand. He was a strong role model and a man of great character.

In 2014, Jack was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s which slowly took away his memory but his family, friends, and all the people around him supported him throughout this phase of his life making it the best possible experience for all. He will be remembered as a man of wisdom who was thoughtful, kind, generous, and most importantly, he will be
remembered for his love and devotion to his family. Jack’s generosity continues as he chose to participate in an Alzheimer’s research study with an organ donation to the Boston University CTE Center.

Jack was the loving husband of Susan (Coon) Heidbrink for 55 years. He was the proud father of Kristine Greco of East Longmeadow, and Kimberly Ganley & her husband Kenneth of Wilmington. He was the proud Grampa to Robert and Sarah Greco and Rebecca, Joseph and Alli Ganley. He was the brother of Ken Heidbrink of Alabama, the late Karl Heidbrink, and his late twin sister Jill Heidbrink. He was the brother-in-law of Sue Heidbrink, Ann Heidbrink, Julia Heidbrink, Barbara Fordham, Michael Fordham, and the late Karen Heidbrink. He was also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends and neighbors.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Thursday, March 2 from 4-7pm. Funeral on Friday, March 3 at 10 am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 10 St. Marks Road in Burlington, MA. The burial will be a private burial next summer at The Cape. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 10 St. Mark’s Road, Burlington, MA 01803, www.saintmarksburlington.org

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.