Thomas Heisler, a Crusader, Passes Away

Tom Heisler spends his days listening to the radio, visiting with old friends at the barber shop and walking his daily route with no cane or other aid. His energy level remains strong as he remains involved and interested in what’s happening around him.

Heisler is currently a partner at Greenberg Traurig and previously worked as a senior associate for an exclusive Chicago litigation boutique. He has vast experience handling civil and business-related disputes across state and federal courts across the nation.

Early Life and Education

Heisler excelled in four sports while at Helias High, including basketball, running track and throwing the shot put. Additionally, he served on the golf team and served as valedictorian of his graduating class. On Friday – among Leon DeLassus and Tom Bacon – their numbers were retired by Helias administrators.

Heisler is a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig’s Miami Litigation Practice and concentrates his practice on commercial disputes related to real estate, insurance, trusts and estates as well as shareholder and partnership disputes. Heisler has represented clients before both state and federal courts.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Kohut Heisler; sons Thomas Heisler III and Bill Heisler; daughter Christa Heisler; as well as various family members and friends. His philanthropy has been notable; particularly at Great Falls Central Catholic High School where he helped found “The Heisler Family Scholarship Fund”, providing funding to students attending this high school for years to come.

Professional Career

Thomas Heisler has extensive trial and appellate litigation experience, serving clients involved in complex, high-stakes matters. Additionally, he excels at briefing and developing creative case strategies both at trial and on appeal.

Heisler was also an active philanthropist, donating over 151 pints of blood over his lifetime after his trainer encouraged him to donate. Donating was inspired by someone telling Heisler it would do someone some good.

Heisler joined Greenberg Traurig in 2021 as a shareholder of their expanding Miami litigation practice, joining from Chicago-based Gair Eberhard Nelson Dedinas Ltd (a boutique law firm). At Gair Eberhard Nelson Dedinas Ltd he successfully litigated on various matters for various clients before state and federal courts.

Achievement and Honors

Tom was an admirable example of self-made success who was immensely proud to show it off. He loved his family dearly and had an infectious laugh that kept people laughing all around.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jane Kohut Heisler of Great Falls, Montana; sons Tom and Bill; sister Melodie Heisler from Great Falls; brother-in-law John Van der Steen from Anaheim, California; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Heisler directed several films featuring Gary Cooper including Along Came Jones (1945) and Blue Skies (1946). For his final film he chose Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman (1947), with Joanne Woodward in a memorable performance as an uncompromising oil woman. Additionally he worked on numerous television and theater productions; receiving accolades from various organizations like the American Film Institute among many others.

Personal Life

Tom was an accomplished individual who took great pride in himself and his family. He was active in his community and Great Falls Central Catholic High School where he established The Heisler Family Scholarship Fund as well as funds to support Speech and Debate team activities.

He is a highly accomplished trial attorney who has represented clients in both state and federal courts in cases pertaining to real estate, shareholder agreements and business partnerships, trusts & estates and commercial contracts.

Mary Jane Heisler survives him along with their children Anna (James) Wagoner from Faribault, Nicholas Heisler from Minnetonka and Margaret Heisler of Owatonna; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Ascension Hospice or another charitable cause of your choosing in lieu of flowers.

Net Worth

Tom Heisler leaves behind his wife Shirley; children Robert (Beverly) Heisler of Oshkosh and Dawn Heisler of Florida; step son Craig Peterson from Kaukauna; Joan Kinderman of Pocatello as well as many nieces and nephews. Tom was an enthusiastic supporter of Great Falls Central Catholic High School where he donated funds towards “The Heisler Family Scholarship Fund” that will enable students to attend in future years as well as supporting Speech and Debate team activities.

Heisler is an accomplished trial lawyer, having successfully litigated many types of disputes in state and federal courts across the U.S. He previously practiced at the Chicago headquarters of a global law firm before transitioning into litigation boutique practice as a partner. His expertise includes complex commercial litigation, real estate matters, shareholder and partnership disputes, trusts & estates matters as well as representing financial institutions.