Gerald Lee Heiden was born on January 31, 1949 as the first child of Herman D. and Lydia Heiden.

He was a graduate of Bath High School in Clinton County, Michigan and worked as a plumber in that area.

Jerry married Linda Cross on October 24, 1987.

On October 14, 2016, he died in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 67.

There are two Gerald Heidens in the early generations. Gerald Lee (left) was the son of Herman D. Heiden. Gerald Walter (right) was the son of Walter Heiden.