Daniel Paul Heddinger

Daniel Paul Heddinger, 72, loving husband and father, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2026.

He is survived by wife Lorri of 42 years; daughter Danielle C. (James) Doty; son Jared Paul (Emily Roberts) Heddinger; sister Denise VanSickle and nephew Michael (Sarah) VanSickle.

Dan graduated Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa in 1972 and joined the United States Navy. He toured the Mediterranean on the USS Shreveport where he served as the ship’s journalist. He kept many notes on his three-year journey. Encouraged by his kids, he used the notes to write a book titled: A Boot Recruit to an Able Seaman.

After the Navy, Dan entered the restaurant business where he was a manager for 40+ years. The restaurants include Burger King, Old Country Buffet and Ponderosa. The most recent was at the Big Boy in Battle Creek, where he made many friends of employees and patrons still to this day. Dan was a big sports fan across the board, but his favorite team was always the St. Louis Cardinals.

As a last act of generosity, Dan donated his eyes to someone in need. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be directed to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org). A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. at St. Philip Parish Center on Friday, October 16. Dan will be inurned at Fort Custer with military honors at 9:30 a.m. Personal messages may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.