Brett Heding, age 46 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016 in Illinois after enjoying a day well-spent outdoors with his dog and a delicious meal with someone he loved. He went to bed that evening with a smile on his face, which was just the way he chose to live his life each and every day.

Brett was born on November 23, 1969 in Elgin, IL. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1988. Throughout the years, Brett worked on the Ferron Farms, at Flynn Motors and was a self-employed metallurgist, taking over the business his father ran prior to his passing. An avid outdoorsman, Brett enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting guns and trapshooting at the Fall River Gun Club, where he also helped with the youth shoot. He loved his dogs and history, and especially enjoyed war stories. Brett was a very fun-loving, generous and caring friend; as a cancer survivor, Brett was a courageous fighter and always lived life his own way. He was an amazing father, and his strong and life-loving spirit will live on in all of those who loved him.

Brett is survived by his parents, James (Maxine) Ferron of Beaver Dam; his children, Megan Heding of Monona and Aaron Heding of Beaver Dam; his grandchild, Zenna of Monona; the mother of his children, Amy Heding of Beaver Dam; siblings, Brenda (Tom) Stebbins of Beaver Dam, Pat Heding of Chicago, Andy Heding of Milwaukee, Tracy (Randy) Rabata of Beaver Dam, Toni (Mike) Shiels of Jefferson, Troy (Susan) Ferron of Beaver Dam, Todd (Tracy) Ferron of Beaver Dam and Tanya (Chris) Kircher of Beaver Dam; step-mother, Ne Heding of Beaver Dam; close friends, Todd, Carl and Roger; his neighbor of over 20 years, Doug, and further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Brett was preceded in death by his father, Donald Heding; his mother, Beverly Crook; his maternal and paternal grandparents; special friend Bob in August; two dogs, Belle & Emma; and other relatives.