Jeff Ray Hiesrodt, 67, of Union City passed away February 19, 2026.
He was born April 23, 1958, in Michigan — the state he proudly and lovingly called “God’s Country.”
A lifelong resident of Union City, Jeff graduated from Union City High School in 1976. He remained deeply rooted in his hometown and rarely wished to be anywhere else. In 1990, he proudly earned the title of 3-Point Champion during local Field Day events — an accomplishment he always carried with pride.
Jeff worked many dedicated years at Walmart and Big Boy, forming friendships and connections throughout the community.
He loved fishing and golf, especially spending time at Turtle Lake. Many mornings, he could be found at the old Te-Kon in Tekonsha having coffee and catching up on local news, or later gathering with extended family at JD’s Family Bar. He found joy in familiar places, familiar faces, and the quiet beauty of Michigan’s seasons.
Jeff also had a deep love for music, especially the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song Simple Man could easily have been the soundtrack to his life. He believed in keeping things straightforward, valuing family, working hard, and staying true to who you are.
To his daughter, he was larger than life. As a child, Sara lovingly compared him to Hulk Hogan — strong, bigger than everyone else, and a little bit legendary. He wore that comparison with pride. Above all else, he adored his daughter, and that bond remained a steady thread throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Betty (Cole) Hiesrodt; his brother, Marc Hiesrodt; and his best friends, Ron Crance and Vern Damon.
He is survived by his daughter, Sara Renkert (Hiesrodt), and son-in-law, Reyes, of Tucson, Arizona; his four grandchildren, Angel, Shareya, Elias, and Ivy Renkert; his nephew, Jess Hiesrodt of Girard; his niece, Amy Abrey of Coldwater; two great-nieces, Jessica Hiesrodt and Ashlyn Abrey; one great-nephew, Zack Smurr; and two great-great-nephews, Brendan and Spencer.
Jeff will be remembered for his deep loyalty to his home state, his love of music, fishing and golf, and the pride he took in being a lifelong Michigander. He lived simply, loved deeply, and stayed true to the place and people that meant the most to him.
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