John Steven Heick

Steve Heick, a devoted son, soulmate, father, grandfather, and cherished family member known as “Stevie-boy” and “Hollywood” died on June 7, 2026, in Moscow, Idaho, surrounded by family. He was 78.

Steve was born April 23,1948 at Gritman Memorial Hospital in Moscow, Idaho, to Grace Anderson Heick and Leonard I. Heick. He attended Moscow High School, graduating in 1966.

Steve began woodworking at a very young age. By 3, he was already hammering nails into his parents’ windowsills, the start of a skill he would use throughout his life. Woodworking remained a passion, and, early on, he started a construction business that built family homes in Moscow. He later joined his father in running the family farm and devoted the rest of his career to caring for the family’s ancestral land—a commitment that began before he was old enough to drive and continued until his death.

In high school Latin class, Steve met Susan Shire, then a freshman. They married on July 13, 1968, and shared nearly 58 married years together. Their daughter, Heidi, was born soon after, and son, Shane, arrived in 1972, completing their family.

The family’s farming legacy began in 1876, when Steve’s great-grandfather, Johan Heick, homesteaded the original 160 acres north of Moscow after immigrating from Denmark and traveling up the West Coast on foot. Steve expanded the family acreage and farmed alongside his father until his passing in 2004. He then continued operating Heick Farms. In 2020, Steve and Sue were honored with the Idaho Century Farm distinction, recognizing 150 years of continuous Heick family farming.

Along with his deep devotion to family, woodworking, and farming, he loved cars—especially Corvettes—as well as golfing, hunting, fishing, and collecting guns.

Over the years, Steve gave generously to his community, serving on the board of the Latah County Grain Growers, the Latah County Planning Commission, and the Elks Lodge, where he was a member for 41 years. He also took pride in building beautiful fires, elevating the skill to an art form.

Steve leaves behind a legacy of love in his wife, Sue of Moscow, ID, daughter, Heidi Heick DeMers of Charlottesville, VA; his son, Shane Heick (Eva) of Latah, WA; his grandchildren, Jacqueline DeMers, Victoria DeMers, and Steven Connor DeMers of Portland, OR, Tyler Marie Heick of Spokane, WA, Ryan Marie Heick of La Jolla, CA, and Joey Marie Heick of Moscow, ID; and his great-grandchildren, Carter Waddle, Ryder Bankofier, and Tucker Bankofier. He is also survived by his sister, Meredith (Richard) Landers; his nieces, Brook and Hillary Landers; and his cousins, John (Edie) Beckwith, Tom (Jody) Beckwith, Janie Beckwith, Art (Mary) Anderson, Aaron (Kendreia) Heick, Caryn Aman, Kaye Marshall, and Cathie Martinez.

Services to celebrate Steve’s life and love will be held at Short’s Funeral Chapel on June 12, 2026 at 1 pm with a reception to follow at the Elk’s Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Steve’s name to the Moscow Bear Boosters at PO Box 9724, Moscow, ID 83843.