Walter Heerschap

Walter (Walt) Jacob Heerschap of Mountain City, TN passed away on May 20, 2025. He may be gone, and we will miss him forever, but his memory will live on in the many lives he has touched over his 84 years.

The eldest of 8 children to Walter and Edith (Grimm) Heerschap, he was born in Paterson, NJ on January 25, 1941. A smart child, he did well in school, graduating East Side High School in 1958 at the age of 17. His ability to make lifelong friends, participate in local activities and his desire to give back to members of his community started during these years; he was a member of the East Side HS rifle team, Paterson Phil Harmonic Orchestra playing the violin. And he was a member of DeMolay, where he would eventually meet a Rainbow Girl named Judy who would become the love of his life.

At the age of 21, Walt graduated from Montclaire with his degree in teaching, married Judith Mildred Senior, began his teaching career at Monmouth Regional High School (MRHS) in Eatontown New Jersey and moved to Oakhurst NJ. In 1967 Walt became a dad with the birth of his daughter Yvonne, and then again with the birth of a son, Mark, in 1972.

Walt taught Biology and Chemistry throughout his tenure at MRHS and for several years a summer Marine Biology Program for those students who needed extra credits to advance in school and was the HS Chess Coach for his tenure. Retiring in 2000, after 38 years, he formed lifelong bonds with many of his students, some of whom he taught their children and eventually a few of their grandchildren and remained in touch with them until his passing.

His coaching of the MRHS Chess team also led to his involvement in state and world chess tournaments which continued after his retirement. Every Presidents Day weekend for over 40 years he helped direct the World Team Chess Championship in Parsippany NJ, his wife Judy volunteering as well. Even after retiring from teaching, he continued as a director until 2015.

Walt also became active in the Oakhurst Independent Hose Company No 1 as a volunteer firefighter in 1967, eventually achieving Life Member Status in the late 80s. A few years after joining the fire department Walt joined the Oakhurst Volunteer First Aid Squad. He would eventually convince his wife Judy to take a first aid class, and after a change in rules allowed women to join the first aid squad without needing first to be a firefighter, he got Judy to join as well. Of course, his influence didn’t stop there; he eventually got Yvonne and Mark to both join as cadets in their teens and both went on to become full volunteer members at the age of 18. Mark would eventually choose emergency services as a career, becoming a paramedic. His time in the first aid squad led to him becoming a CPR, First Aid and EMT instructor, training and influencing thousands of students to save lives. His CPR certification remained active until his passing.

In 2005 Walt and Judy chose Mountain City, TN as their new home for their retirement years. However, retirement did not slow them down. Both he and Judy became corrections officers for the Johnson County Sheriff's jail, before they decided to re-retire. They were active members of Newcomers, sang in the Choir at Mountain City First United Methodist Church, volunteered for the Johnson County Humaine society, serving as officers and Walt was instrumental in the aluminum can recycling program to raise funds. After having open heart surgery, Walt became active in the Mended Hearts, helping others who have gone through this procedure and helping others learn about heart health and healing. He was also a life-long blood donor, achieving over 16 gallons over his lifetime.

Walt was active with Heritage Hall, first as an usher then as one of the head ushers, which allowed him to not only volunteer, but to enjoy the music and shows that he so enjoyed. He was also part of the Living Christmas Tree even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

His love of people, teaching and community allowed him to touch so many he came in touch with, and he always made an impression. Everyone remembers him by his cowboy hat and the spider that hung to the side of it and of course, his use of $2 bills for tipping.

Walt was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October of 2024, which was aggressive and caused his health to fail quickly, but in true Walter form, he was determined and fought it the entire way.

Walter is survived by his children Yvonne Caruso (Joseph) of Davenport FL, son Mark Heerschap (Sharon) of Summerville, SC, Grandchildren John Robert, Emily Mae and Gabriel Michael Heerschap, Great Grandson Jackson Brian Heerschap, Brother Martin Heerschap (Candy), sisters Leslie Owen (Harold), Dawn Hughes (Roger), Gwen Berger (Joel) and Heidi Kopitar, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Edith Heerschap, his beloved wife of 54 years Judith Mildred, his brother Kenneth Robert, brother Alan Scott, and grandchildren Christopher James Heerschap and Tessa Tymothi Montague.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Mountain City. Following the Celebration of Life, there will be a brief service at the FUMC’s Columbarium for the Commitment of Walt's Ashes, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall for all those present. In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Walter’s honor can be made to the Johnson County Humane Society, PO Box 307 Mountain City, TN 37683; Monmouth County SPCA, PO Box 93 Eatontown, NJ 07724; or The Pantry Fund at First United Methodist Church, 128 N Church St Mountain City, TN 37683. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com. 

The family of Walter Jacob Heerschap has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.