Neil Leslie Heiden was born Monday, October 20, 1952 in Toledo. He was the oldest child of Robert and Roberta (Gall) Heiden.

A 1970 graduate of Monroe High School, he also attended Monroe County Community College.

On October 15, 1971, he married Karen Nirschl and they had two children.

Neil was a rural mail carrier out of Blissfield, Michigan where his family resided. He coached girls softball, freshman wrestling and football for Blissfield Schools. He had a builder's license and  remodeled homes. Neil was also an active participant in Scottish Games.