John H. Heiser PhD

Dr. John H. Heiser, PhD, 90, passed away at his home on December 24, 2015. John was born in Milwaukee, WI, to Walter and Lauretta Heiser in 1925. John spent his childhood in Milwaukee and left to attend college. John acquired an AB with a major in Greek and minor in Latin and Philosophy, plus an MA in Philosophy. He then received a doctoral degree in Philosophy, all from St. Louis University. John was a professor of Philosophy at Niagara University in Niagara Falls, NY. He retired from teaching after twenty years and moved to Washington D.C. to work on a degree in theology.
During his studies he met Elisabeth P. Mukadi and they were married in 1994. John became father to eight children. Together John and Elisabeth started the Elisabeth Ph Heiser foundation for orphaned children and considered these children their own. Later, John and Elisabeth adopted two additional children, Guylain and Katy Mukadi. In the words of John - "Guylain and Katy have won my heart and are my pride and joy. They keep me young in mind even though they cannot do as much for this creaky old body, apart from feeding it and lifting some of the burdens off its back."
John loved his wife dearly and often mentioned how she had changed his life. John and Elisabeth loved to help others, travel, sell African imports and always prayed together. They were members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and also were part of the local Carmelite community. John also loved reading and writing.
John was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Ruth. He is survived by his eight step-children, Izidor, Marguerite, Bernadette, Oscar, Marie-Stella, Elizabeth, Leopold and Roger Mbala; two adopted children, Guylain and Katy Mukadi; and two brothers, Charles and William.
The rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 7:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University, with visitation starting at 5:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.