Real estate agent, philanthropist Heitz dies

John Heitz, a longtime real estate agent and philanthropist, has died.

A Springfield News-Leader report indicates Heitz, 77, died yesterday. He had lung cancer and heart issues, according to the report. Attempts to reach people close to Heitz were unsuccessful by deadline, and an obituary has not yet been posted.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors mourned Heitz and called him "a force to be reckoned with for decades in the real estate industry and the Springfield community as a whole."

"Those that knew him know that at his core, he was one of the most lovable and giving human beings possible," the post reads. "John will be greatly missed from our real estate family."

The founder of John A. Heitz Properties in 1980, Heitz through his company brokered and managed residential, office and commercial spaces, according to its website.

The Missouri State University Foundation in August held a dedication ceremony for Heitz House, named in honor of the real estate agent and MSU donor. In July this year, Heitz was recognized as a member of The Founders Club at the MSU Foundation. The club recognizes "significant donors whose financial support provides and encourages many aspects of higher education for Missouri State University," according to the foundation's website.

Bryan Magers, owner of residence hall developer Bryan Properties LLC, chose the name to pay homage to Heitz, his friend, according to past reporting. While the university purchased the residence hall for $24 million from Bryan Properties, the appraised value was more than the asking price. Magers covered the difference as a donation to MSU and requested the name.