UTICA – John Michael Heiland Jr. age 29, formerly of Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 23, 2020 at Faxton-St. Luke's Medical Center, New Hartford after an extended illness. He was born on August 26, 1990 in Ilion, son of Sheila (Krowicki) Heiland of Mohawk and the late John Heiland. A lifelong area resident he was a graduate of Mohawk High School with the class of 2008. On September 9, 2010, John enlisted in the US Navy serving for three years. He received an honorable discharge on March 21, 2013. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Mohawk. John had a notable personality. He could be soft hearted yet determined at the same time. He was amusing and funny. He enjoyed the laughter when he knew he made you chuckle at his jokes and storytelling. He was smart and had the ability to master by memory what he read and enjoyed sharing any new and interesting knowledge with others. John was lovable, and a sincere friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Surviving are his loving family, mother Sheila, of Mohawk, wife Whittnay Hale of Bedford, grandmother, Phyllis Delosh and her husband Walter of Cedarville, sister, Samantha Hawkins and her husband Sean, two nephews, Connor and Buck Hawkins all of Remsen, loving godparents, Sondra Hysak, Cathy Krowicki, and Edward Heiland, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his friend, Hillary Lohr and her children Tanner, Trenton and Dalton. The family will be present at Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Thursday January 30th to receive relatives and friends from 5:00 until 7:00pm. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 7:00pm. Reverend Sally Heiligman will officiate. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.