Jake Heller

Jacob Mark Heller (Jake), 29, of Traverse City went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 10, 2019.

Jake was born on May 18, 1989 in Traverse City to Tom and Melissa Heller. Jake graduated from Kalkaska High School in 2008.

Jake was an amazing young man whose life was way too short. He made so many friends because of his outgoing personality and magnetic smile that would light up a room. Everyone was drawn to Jake, especially kids because of that big smile and kind heart. His special connection with kids made him a favorite uncle to his niece and nephew. We will never forget his laughter and keen sense of humor. He had a huge heart and he loved his family and friends. Jake was happiest when he was helping others.

Jake had a passion for the outdoors and always loved going to deer camp with his grandpa, dad, brother, uncles and cousins. He loved the camaraderie of deer camp and the sharing of bad jokes and good stories. In 2012 he bagged his first buck and we will always remember the smile on his face and how proud he was to put a nice buck on the buck pole.

Jake was a legitimate Spartan fan – fueled by his Dad and sister's passion for their alma mater. Many memories of Spartan tailgate barbeques and games with family and friends will forever be treasured. Spartan games were some of his most cherished times.

Jake was a natural athlete and excelled in football and basketball in high school and as an adult developed a passion for working out and eating healthy. He had also developed a love of cooking and was becoming a master "smoker" as well as a reputation for making the best cheesecake in the world!

Jake had the ability to learn quickly on the job and had been successful at any job he undertook. For the past 1 ½ years Jake was employed as a finish carpenter for B.A.C. ( Bay Area Contracting). He was loved by his B.A.C. family and proud of what he was learning and accomplishing.

Jake is survived by his parents, Tom and Melissa Heller, sister Jessica, brother Zack, sister-in-law Jessica (Rogers), niece, Ella, nephew William Wallace and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Wallace and Helen Heller, maternal grandparents William and Phyllis Glines and aunt Kathy (Heller) Siebert.

The family would like to thank their New Hope Church Family and the surrounding community and friends for the enormous outpouring of prayers, love, and support they have shown.
Jake's life was celebrated at the New Hope Community Church on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Jake's interment will take place in the spring at the Swedish Mission Cemetery, Lake Leelanau.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family Jake's tribute page.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home