John C. Heidler

John Heidler was a chemical engineer with a passion for the education system in his small, Illinois town.
In the ’70s, he was elected as the founding member of the Johnsburg School District 12 Board. He helped to design and construct the Johnsburg High School in Johnsburg, Ill. (pop. 4,631). And for the past 20 years, Heidler read the names of all the seniors who graduated from that school. When he grew too sick to attend this year’s graduation ceremonies, Heidler signed all the diplomas from his bed.
Heidler died of mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure, on June 16. He was 66.