Louis Heidel

Louis (Louie) Raymond Heidel, age 66, passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, early March 2023.  

Louis is preceded in death by his father Leonard Heidel, Mother Virginia Soto, Brothers Michael Soto, Paul Heidel, and infant baby sister Teresita Heidel. Louis is survived by his son Jason Heidel, and daughter Melissa Heidel (Brandon); Jason and Melissa’s mother Pamela Valdez; brother Larry Heidel (Patty), sister Kathy Heidel (Max), as well as many multi-generational aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews. 

Louis Heidel was a native of Santa Fe New Mexico, born February 17, 1957, to Virginia Soto and Leonard Heidel.  He attended Santa Fe High School graduating in 1975.  Following high school he entered the Air Force and served his country from 1975 to 1979. After returning from the military Louis attended TVI technical vocational school in Albuquerque, and received his certification in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Most of his life Louis lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with the exception of a few short years during his “walk about” where he traveled around the country.  Louis held a variety of jobs over the course of his life.  He worked for a short while in the HVAC field, as well as sometimes working in the construction industry alongside his brother Paul.  He worked for some time as a manager for a local dry-cleaning service; and he worked as a cook at the PasaTiempo Senior Center in Santa Fe.  Earlier in his life, while working at the Santa Fe Country Club, he became intrigued with cooking and it was there that he earned the title of “Chef”.  He very much enjoyed cooking and at times his cooking even rivaled his mothers, who herself was an excellent cook. Between the two, although no one would openly admit it in front of Virginia, his tamales were as good as hers, if not better. 

Louis was very proud of his military service to his country.  It was one of his most life satisfying experiences.  He had followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, and was much honored to have served and to have been a military veteran.

Louis enjoyed the out-0f-doors, and he was one hell-of-a fly fisherman.  All who had ever fished with Louis knew of his love for fishing and his innate skill with a fly rod.   Being out-of-doors, camping, or just walking the path, was truly his most satisfying of activities.

Louis married Pamela Valdez, and together they had two children, Jason, and Melissa.  Louis loved his children very much, and he knew that they were his best contribution to the planet.  As well, Louis was devoted to his mother, Virginia Soto, and loved her dearly.  For many years before her passing, he was her constant companion and comrade in arms. Louis was a very special person, and he will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends, and his beloved dog Guerro. 

A memorial will be held in his honor at a later to be determined date.