Peter L. Heiss

This is written to celebrate the extraordinary life of Peter L Heiss (“Pete”) who left this world on August 25, 2023. Pete is survived by countless friends as well as many extended family members who still call him “Uncle Pete”, many years after ending a marriage through which much compassion, kindness and caring still remain. Pete was born to Herbert Louis Heiss and Margaret A Heiss (nee: Swetting) on September 22, 1948 in Racine, Wisconsin.

In 1955, the family of 5 moved from Wisconsin to New Martinsville, West Virginia to a 65 acre home. It was there that Pete, along with his older sister, Susan and younger sister, Christine grew up. He shared a love of animals and photography with Susan.

While in high school, Pete enjoyed choral singing which his mother apparently shared her love of music with her children. He graduated in 1966 from Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, West Virginia.

Pete attended West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia graduating in 1971 with a degree in Graphic Arts. He was employed after graduation by West Virginia University as a Graphic Artist. It was there that he met his first wife, Melinda Hall. They were married in 1972 in Beckley, West Virginia. They later divorced.

During his life, Pete lived in Morgantown, West Virginia, Marianna, Pennsylvania and N. Liberty, Iowa and finally Columbus, Ohio between the years of 1991 and 2012. During this time he married Deborah Lynn Givens on August 3, 1991. They later divorced on August 26, 2008 after 17 years of marriage.

Many of Pete’s friendships were built online through his love of nature, animals, animal rescue, biking, and hiking, as well as, at times, just through his love of fun and the appreciation of a clever joke or pun! So many of Pete’s friends became friends to each other by his continuous efforts to connect everyone. Even for those who never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, Pete left a lasting impression where there is now a tremendous void of deep caring and friendship lost.

In addition to his online involvement and friendships, Pete participated in and helped to nurture a local community of biking, hiking and nature enthusiasts. Among these groups he left a lasting impression – whether having met only once or numerous times -- through his pursuit of the enjoyment of each activity to the fullest and making sure that everyone was appreciating the experience as much as he was. Because of these connections, soon after hearing of his passing, these local friends have already organized a memorial ride in Pete’s honor and to support Mental Health this Labor Day, September 4th. (The ride leaves Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixbie Rd, Groveport, OH 43125 at 9:00 a.m. Please check with Wheels of Color for more details and to register.)

Pete was a true light on a daily basis for so many of us. His ability to see the beauty in ordinary things, the humor in most everything, and the way of kindness and compassion at even the most difficult moments endeared him in the hearts of so many who had the honor to know him. Whether in person, online, on the phone or in passing, Pete had a way of connecting that left a lasting impression of generosity, warmth and kindness.

Pete was very kind; he was always hiking or biking somewhere and taking the most extraordinary photos. His photography showcased his unique and creative point of view whether evoking quiet contemplation, great humor, or quite often, both. It is safe to say that Pete never met a stranger. He had a way of making all he met feel special, included, and important. For those of us who had the honor to know and interact with this remarkable man, it is clear that the world will be that much less colorful, interesting and humorous without him in it.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, older sister, Susan (2014). and his beloved Da Sc00ter Kat. He is survived by a younger sister, Christine, two previous wives, numerous friends and acquaintances in Beckley, West Virginia, the Columbus area and throughout the US.

Rest well, dear friend…You will be missed forever.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Dublin 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin where a memorial service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 2pm.

To watch the funeral service live, please visit:

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