Fr. Thomas Heier, C.M.M.

Fr. Thomas “Tom” Heier April 7, 1931 – May 6, 2023 Fr. Thomas "Tom" Heier, a devoted priest and religious leader, passed away on May 6, 2023, at the age of 92. Fr. Heier was born Martin John Heier on April 7, 1931, to Nicodemus and Katherine Heier (nee Silvernail) in Aberdeen, SD. He was the fourth of nine siblings. Fr. Heier's passion for the Catholic faith led him to attend St. Bernard Seminary, where he was taught by Mariannhill Fathers for high school and junior college. He professed his religious vows on August 15, 1953, and was ordained a priest on May 11, 1958. Fr. Heier's first assignment was as a teacher of English and religion at St. Bernard Seminary, where he spent ten years. During that time, he earned a master's degree in English at the University of Detroit. He then spent one year in parish work and one semester as a teacher in Divine Word Seminary in Perrysburg, OH. In 1970, Fr. Heier was elected provincial superior of the U.S./Canada province of Mariannhill, a position he held for seven years. He then served two more years as a teacher at Divine Word Seminary before being appointed novice master and living in the Mariannhill mission house in Pennsylvania. When it closed in 1990, he transferred back to Dearborn Heights, MI, where he lived until his passing. In addition to his other roles, when Fr. Heier returned to Dearborn Heights in 1990, he was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of Leaves magazine, a position he held until the day he passed away. Fr. Heier's exceptional writing skills, keen editorial eye, and deep understanding of the Church's teachings and traditions were reflected in the high quality of Leaves magazine during his tenure as Editor-in-Chief. His dedication to the magazine was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that it continued to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for its readers. Fr. Heier's dedication to the Church and his commitment to education touched the lives of countless individuals throughout his career. His contributions as a teacher, mentor, and religious leader will always be remembered and celebrated. Fr. Heier is survived by his three brothers, Fr. Vergil, Fr. Andrew, and Phillip. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many individuals whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3-7 pm, including a Rosary at 6:30 pm, at the Stanley Turowski Funeral Home located at 25509 W. Warren in Dearborn Heights. On Thursday, the day of the Mass, Fr. Tom will be in state at St. Sabina Church at 10:30 am, located at 25555 Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights, until the time of Mass at 11:00 am.