Michael “Mike” C. Heller, 78, State Center
Michael “Mike” C. Heller, age 78, of State Center, Iowa, passed away on the afternoon of July 12, 2026 at the VA Central Iowa Health Care Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
A memorial service for Mike will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services. Memorials in Mike’s name may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.
Michael Charles Heller was born February 27, 1948 in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was the second of six children born to Earl and Sylvia (Teig) Heller. Mike grew up in State Center, Iowa and graduated from State Center High School in the Class of 1966. After graduation, Mike joined the United States Army. Serving during the Vietnam Era between 1966 and 1970. During his service, he received training in electronics and electrical generators. He was honorably discharged after his years of service.
Mike married Judith Jurgenson in 1967, together they had two children, daughter Michelle “Shelli” and son Mark before later divorcing. Mike later married Tami Davis in 1979, and they shared twin daughters, Amber and Casey, before divorcing. Prior to retirement, Mike spent most of his career with the West Marshall Community School District as the head maintenance supervisor or “Mr. Fix-it!” Although some may have seemed more like hobbies, Mike worked various jobs in State Center. Mike owned/operated restaurant, “The Trojan Drive Inn,” was behind the meat counter at D&J Jack & Jill’s Grocery store, cut chicken for Bailey’s Pizza, and was a butcher at the State Center Locker. Mike was active in the State Center Community serving on the State Center City Council, member of the Central Iowa Jaycees, member of the Board of Trustees for the Gutekunst Public Library and belonged to the Harlen G. Pfantz American Legion Post 122. In his free time, Mike was an avid reader, a Facebook instigator, a crossword fanatic if you call it, even daring enough to complete them in ink. He liked watching game shows, especially Jeopardy! Humbled to know that he could beat any of the contestants. He loved cooking and particularly enjoyed creating or tweaking foods to make it his own. He also enjoyed both playing in and watching pool league, and could often be found sitting outside with a drink and a good book.
Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his four children, Michelle “Shelli” McComas, Mark (Lori) Heller, Amber (Ryan) Vander Velden and Casey (Jim) Shuey; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four siblings, Dennis (Peggy) Heller, Gary (Teresa) Heller, Diane (Claire) Olson and Marcia (Ben) Purington along with many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Sylvia Heller; his brother, Steve Heller and sister in infancy Susan Heller.
The family wishes to invite everyone to a combined family led celebration of life for Mike and Steve on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 1:00 until 4:00 P.M. at the Road Hog in State Center.
