Rev. John R. HellerPoughkeepsie - Rev. John R. Heller, 85, passed away peacefully at the Lutheran Care Center on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 with family by his side. He was born on February 2, 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of the late Walter & Thora (Carlson) Heller. On June 7, 1958, he married Mary B. Stenberg of Jewell, Iowa who survives at home.He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio and a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Augustana Theological Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois. He earned a Master of Sacred Theology from New York Theological Seminary, New York City, a certificate from the Post Graduate Center also in NYC, and completed courses for Clinical Pastoral Education-Health Care. He also participated in numerous post-graduate courses at various Lutheran Seminaries throughout his ministry.Upon his ordination in June, 1958, his first parish was Bernadotte Lutheran Church in northeast Bronx. While there he oversaw the building of a new sanctuary. In 1964, he accepted a call to Messiah Lutheran Church, Annadale, Staten Island. While living in Staten Island he served as President of the Board of Directors at Eger Lutheran Home and had the honor of presiding over an event honoring King Olav V of Norway. He also served as Chaplain at Willowbrook State School and was a member of the Executive Board of Metro New York Synod. In 1975, he accepted a call to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poughkeepsie. During his years of ministry he supervised 26 Interns placed by various seminaries to work with him. He retired from St. John's in 1998 and became Pastor Emeritus. He then became Director of Pastoral Care/Chaplain at the newly opened Lutheran Care Center. Even though he couldn't read a note of music, he was an enthusiastic director of the Lutheran Care Choir and led a very popular sing-along every Thursday afternoon. He continued his ministry at the Care Center until his death. Residents and staff alike were all touched and blessed by his presence. He was actively involved in many aspects of life and agencies within Dutchess County and was a friend to all.Among the many awards Pastor Heller received during his ministry was the Muhlenburg Medal for Distinguished Discipleship at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 2008. He and Mary shared a love of traveling which included several trips to Europe. They were long time subscribers to the New York Philharmonic and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. They enjoyed all aspects of life in the Big Apple and visited frequently.In addition to his wife Mary of 58 years, survivors include his daughter, Kristen Heller (David Karp) of California, a son Jonathan (Mary) of Poughkeepsie and a daughter Kathryn Weaver (Geoffrey) of Poughkeepsie; beloved grandchildren Sara and Christopher Heller, and John, Mark and Jane Weaver and his dog Sami. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Mohler of Llano, Texas.The family would like to thank the 7th floor nursing staff of Vassar Brothers Hospital for their attentive care and the staff at Lutheran Care Center for their outstanding compassion and concern.Calling hours are Friday, November 18th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 55 Wilbur Blvd, Poughkeepsie. The Funeral Service will be celebrated Saturday, November 19 at 11 am at St. John's with interment to follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. A reception will take place at St. John's in the Fellowship Hall.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated for the Lutheran Care Center or St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Wm. G. Miller & Son F.H., Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com.