Bro. Francis Richard Heyer S.M.

He was the second of nine children born to Oscar and Ethel (Hebestreit) Heyer on September 1, 1921, in Detroit, MI. Tragically, only he and three other siblings: Jerome, Phyllis and Mary (all deceased) lived past infancy, the others claimed by a blood disease later identified as Rh-factor conflict. After completing Grade School at St. Brigid in Detroit, MI, he attended Holy Redeemer High School, also in Detroit, before entering the Postulancy at Maryhurst in Kirkwood, MO on August 3, 1938. One year later he began his Novitiate there, until he professed his First Vows at Maryhurst on August 25, 1940. He began Scholasticate studies at Maryhurst and then enrolled at the University of Dayton, where he earned a BA in Science in 1943. Later he studied at St. Louis University, graduating with an MA in Education in 1945. That same year, on July 18, he professed Perpetual Vows at Maryhurst in Kirkwood, MO.

Bro. Francis taught in St. Louis area schools throughout most of his career, beginning at McBride H.S. in 1943. He continued on McBride’s faculty through 1949, before moving to DeAndreis H.S. for the next three academic years. After taking the opportunity to make a Second Novitiate at Glencoe, MO in 1952, he moved to San Antonio, TX, teaching at Central Catholic H.S. for several years – where he also served as a speech coach. He then returned to McBride in St. Louis. At each of these stops, Bro. Francis taught classes in religion, mathematics, reading, and science. In 1958, he moved to St. Mary’s H.S. also in St. Louis – where he went on to serve for more than 40 years. For most of his tenure, he focused on teaching biology in the classroom, along with designing and building several labs to support that course of instruction.

Dedicated to the success of every student he encountered, Bro. Francis was revered as a teacher, crediting his “mature alliance” with Mary as the reason his own work bore fruit in the classroom for so many years. Following his professional career he turned his focus toward nature, planting trees, and tending to landscaping around his communities, confident his outdoor labors would provide a welcoming environment for all – except for the squirrels, the only creatures he found it difficult to love. On his 80th Anniversary of Vows he declared, “Oh, what a life of blessings! What gifts God strewed in my Marianist path! For every quirk in my character, He gave me a way out; for every fault, He doled out Mercy.”

Services: Visitation will begin 10:30 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Pillar, 401 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131 on Saturday, November 4, 2023. A reception will follow in the Church Hall.

Interment to be on Monday, Nov. 6, 10:00 am at Maryhurst Cemetery, 1311 S. Kirkwood Rd., 63122.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at marianist.com/donate