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MSU College of Law

MSU Law Mourns the Passing of DCL President Emeritus Richard W. Heiss

Michigan State University College of Law Dean Joan W. Howarth today shared the sad news that President Emeritus Richard W. Heiss died January 23, 2015.

Heiss was a 1963 graduate of Detroit College of Law and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1972. He served as president of DCL from 1983 to 1994 and was instrumental in the DCL-MSU affiliation.

"I am personally very grateful for Dick’s warmth and lifelong commitment to our law school," Dean Howarth said. "He had recently been working with President Emeritus Richard Suhrheinrich on a book about the history of the Detroit College of Law."

Richard Heiss '63President Emeritus Heiss also earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1952 and completed the Stanford Executive Program in 1979. He served five years in the U.S. Army, including three years in Germany.

After his military services, he joined the Manufacturers National Bank in 1957 as assistant trust officer and remained until he retired in 1992.

In addition to his service to DCL, President Emeritus Heiss was president of the American Bankers Trust Division from 1980-1981, a charter member of ABA Private Banking Committee, and lectured at various banking schools during his career. He also served as President of Detroit Golf Club in 1983, and was on the Michigan Seniors Golf Association Board from 1994-2012.

He married Nancy J. Blum on July 21, 1952, who survives him. He also is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two brothers.

The Heiss family will receive guests from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 30 at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, 23720 Farmington Road, Farmington, Michigan.

A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 28000 New Market Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Private burial will take place Monday at Northside Cemetery in Maybee, Michigan.

Memorial gifts are suggested to the Heiss Enrichment Endowment A90204 at Michigan State University, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Dean's Office, 404 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 New Market Road, Farmington, MI, 48334.

Last Updated: January 28, 2015

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