Brian Arno Heise
September 28, 1958 - January 2, 2022

Brian passed away on January 2, 2022, at Alamo Lake in Arizona at the age of 63. He was born to Arno and Darlene Heise in Mankato, Minnesota in September of 1958. He is preceded in death by his father, Arno and mother, Darlene and sweet nephew, Devin. He is survived by his wife, Denise Heise of Phoenix, AZ, son, Brandon Heise of Chandler, AZ, stepdaughter, Kristina (Chris) Zwart of Peoria, AZ, sister Holly Heise of Gallatin, TN, brother Glenn (Tammy) Heise of Kettle River, MN, brother Kevin (Joan) Heise of Prior Lake, MN, two nephews, three nieces and a grandson, Christopher.

Brian was a kind, loving husband and father who always put his family first in every situation. He was an avid outdoorsman who was raised in rural Minnesota. He had a love for anything outdoors including hunting, fishing, hiking, and RVing. He was at Alamo Lake for the annual crappie fishing trip/family camping trip when he passed. He shared that love of outdoors with his family. Above all, Brian loved to fish.

Brian met his wife, Denise, of 29 years, at work. Before he introduced himself to her, he had caught her eye and she had named him Blue Eyes. They were married in July of 1993 and instantly became a family of three. His son, Brandon, was born in 1997. He and his grandson, Christopher, shared a love of jellybeans. He loved his children deeply and was so proud of the people they grew up to be.

He was a basketball star at Prior Lake High School in Minnesota and later played basketball and graduated from North Dakota State University (NDSU). He was known for his card tricks and shell game. He was a huge fan of NDSU football and always followed the players from NDSU who made it to the NFL.

Brian had a soft spot in his heart for the homeless and would buy them a meal (and food for their dog if they had one).

Brian worked for the Arizona Department of Health Services for over 20 years. Brian received awards for his many achievements, but more importantly for his recent various COVID-19 pandemic response initiatives. His coworkers stated that in a way they will celebrate his life when we see what he has built and left behind in the form of his work. Brian had planned to retire in April.

Brian's family would like to thank Wayne and his team from the Alamo Lake Ranger Station, Deputy Lance Palma and his team from La Paz County Sheriff's Office, Arizona DPS Air Rescue, the Mohave County Sheriff's Office Division of Boating Safety and Search and Rescue, and the Kingman DPS Air Rescue for the amazing effort they put into searching for Brian and ultimately making it possible for us to bring him home. The dedication and compassion they exhibited during the entire operation was phenomenal. We are very grateful for them.

Brian's Service/Celebration of Life to be held on Tuesday, January 18th at 10 am at Hansen Mortuary at 6500 E Bell Rd Scottsdale AZ 85254. Casual dress is acceptable. Outdoor seating will be available. The family highly encourages you to wear masks inside.Live Stream Link https://vimeo.com/666377155

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity, hug a first responder, or feed a homeless person.

Brian will be laid to rest at Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park.

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