I had drivers education with Brody in 8th grade. I have been following him on Instagram ever since. Here I am on September 28th of 2025 finding out from a post his dad made on Brody’s account that he has passed away. I saw his profile online multiple times within the last couple years, I always figured he was never a frequent poster. I meant to ask him about how his adventures were going with his drivers license, but I guess I never got around to it. Today I will remember Brody by the funny memories that we made together in driver’s education. The dumb photos we used to draw, the bagels from jumpstart that we used to eat when we were supposed to be learning, and the times we made fun of my driver partner’s driving. I knew from the second I met Brody that he had a kind soul. I called him a friend. It’s unfortunate that his life ended so soon. Rest in peace Brody. You’re gone but never forgotten. 

I had the pleasure of being Brody's soccer coach for a few years. I have met few young men who approached their responsibilities with more of a happy heart and willingness to learn than Brody; he was truly a light to our team at the time and a role model to me; for that I cannot thank you enough, Brody. I will be among those missing him and acting in his memory for as long as I can.

Brody and I used to sing this to each other during english almost everyday and I never thought i would miss watching him get bored and pretend to change gears in a race car while we were supposed to be reading or miss him just looking over at me and smiling and making a goofy face, or sitting in the back of hannah’s car and him looking over at me and just laughing about how much soul i would put into singing my favorite country songs, or the way he would kick my boot under the table when he was trying to get my attention, or his late night texts asking “sage, do you think squirrels remember people?” or whatever else was on his mind, but i do miss all these things, i really do.

Brody and Sophie in the blue truck. Sophie stole Brody’s hat — with Sophie Stark

Brody’s smile always brightened up the CJMS library. 

Jody text asking if I was interested in selling the Subaru WRX  I own. She said Brody was very interested in my car as she was on the look out for a suitable car for him. My car had been parked for a while, it just was not my main vehicle at the moment. The battery was dead when Jody and Brody came to look at it. And then our battery charger was not working. At the time, I had no idea that Brody was into working on cars, I should have known, it was in his blood and he was 15. I was embarrassed that I couldn’t get it started that day. I was giving the details of the car to Jody, 2007, Model TR, Turbo, the history and what needed some attention. All of the things I was saying was was just making Brody more interested in the car, he sat in it and was bummed the battery had no spark. This vehicle is sentimental to me and I couldn’t decide to sell it right than. Months later, I put a fresh battery in the car and drove it on and off for small errands. And why I didn’t call Jody to ask Brody one time if he just wanted to drive it, just for fun? I’ll never know. Or if I would have known that Brody and his friends like to work on cars, I would have brought it to you guys. The things we think about when we reflect. Brody’s friends, please keep sharing your stories with each other, joke around, and even share your sadness. There is no overnight solution to grieving but it is better to grieve than to hold in. 

Brody used to always sing this song walking by down the halls and at first I would always say it was so annoying but now I cherish it more then ever and I wish more then anything he would sing it one more time

Julian's 13th Birthday

Jayces 8th Birthday

Julian's 13th Birthday

Soccer Tournament

His visits with me for so memorable! He is a special boy and I love him love him love him! — with Brody Heiser

Jody, We are so sorry  🥲  

The Best Part of Me project-4th grade

Brody and Grant-5th grade Halloween.

Jody, we are so sorry! We still remember Brody from the time you lived next door. He was an incredibly sweet, energetic, and wholesome kid to have around. Tomas just brought up a memory when you bought a truck and his excitement was through the roof. The girls fondly remember their basketball and frisbee games with him. We'll remember him and are thinking of you.

Sending love,

Radka, Tomas, Klara, and Mika

Brody and Nathan at Longfellow — with Brody and Nathan