Joseph J. Heister, Birmingham

Engineer motivated by deep love of sports

Mark Hicks / The Detroit News

Whether he was coaching his children's teams, playing hockey and softball or following the Detroit Red Wings, Joe Heister loved being involved in sports.

"He was always active," said his brother, Rick. "He was a huge fan."

Mr. Heister died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, of complications from a blood clot. He was 46.

Born June 2, 1963, he grew up in Kentucky and attended what it is now Newport Central Catholic High School, where he played football. He also was active with a regional baseball league.

After graduating in 1981, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana and a master's degree in finance from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Mr. Heister worked at General Motors Corp. and Detroit Center Tool Co. for more than a decade, relatives said. He later joined Valiant International Inc., a manufacturing company in Troy, where he became executive vice president of welding and assembly systems, said co-worker Dave Norkus. "He got people motivated. "

Other survivors include his wife, Nikki; children Jordan and Mathias; his father, Richard; brothers Randy and Robert; a sister, Robyn Guidi; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary.

Services are at 7 p.m. today at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 32515 Woodward, Royal Oak.