Dean R. Heisey

Dean R. Heisey, of South Bend, IN, passed away on May 25, 2026, as the result of a bicycle accident.

Born December 15, 1957, in Lebanon, PA to Paul and Dorothy (Kline) Heisey, he graduated from Eastern Lebanon County High School, Myerstown, PA in 1975, from Oral Roberts University of Tulsa, OK in 1979, and from Bethany Theological Seminary then of Oak Brook, IL in 1985.  He married the former Tacy Lackore of Crystal Lake, IL in May 1983 and together until October 2009 they raised three children, Charis A. of Madison, WI, Jael D. of Denver, CO and K. Esra (Lathanial/Rodney) of Niles, MI who survive him along with John Sommers, his closest friend and companion.  Siblings include Walter (Peggy), Marcia (Alan) Mummert, Marlin (Brenda), Cynthia, and Kenneth (Dorinda).

He was pastor of Church of the Brethren congregations in Denton, MD, Elkhart, IN, Wichita, KS, and South Bend, IN; worked as a night chaplain at South Bend’s Memorial Hospital for several years; served in the Mennonite mission agencies from 1997 to 2015, and served Elkhart General Hospital as a chaplain from 2014 to 2024 and Southside Christian Church of South Bend as co-pastor from 2015 to 2025.   

He was especially motivated to effect organizational transformation and consulted widely with leaders, churches, and non-profits.  He participated in over 40 research projects with Center for Church Innovation, Berkeley, CA to enhance the impact of congregations around the US and Canada.  A vocalist, he ministered through music as a soloist when younger and was a former member of South Bend’s Vesper Chorale, Cathedralis Cantus Choir at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Goshen Community Chorale, The Ripple Effect, Forever Learning Institute’s Silvertones, and area church choirs.  He loved meeting new people through his hobbies of raising toy fox terriers, organic gardening, and non-resistant horse training.  He had a lifelong interest in health practices.  His love for starting new ventures, his commitment to social justice, and his passion for contemplative spirituality came out as he served on the founding board of Dismas of Indiana and the boards of Quiet Place, Still Waters, and Rehoboth Retreat Centers; and in his service to his local congregation and other community projects.  Dean loved mentoring people in ministry through the internship program he developed at Elkhart General and through the Ministry Resource Center of Emmanuel Seminary at Milligan University, Johnson City, TN.  He expressed himself through writing poetry, reading widely, and networking on subjects of interest.  He invested heavily in supporting incarcerated individuals and developed a process for people dealing with grief launching “Their Story” narrative grief groups around the area.  Colleagues appreciated his catalytic personality and applauded him as the “idea” man.  His primary focus was innovation, transformation, and inviting and encouraging others to grow in faith.

Services for Rev. Heisey will be held on June 20, 2026 at Kern Road Mennonite Church 18211 Kern Rd, South Bend, IN 46614. Visitation will begin at 1pm with a celebration of life service beginning at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made in his memory to Everence Foundation 1110 N. Main Street, Goshen, IN 46527 who will see that donations are distributed to the charities of his wishes.   

Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for Dean R. Heisey at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com 

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