Born in Germany on December 12, 1844, Heise immigrated to the United States as a teenager, and shortly after his arrival, he, like a number of new Americans, joined the Union army during the Civil War. Details of his life during this time until about 1872 are scant. In 1873, however, he married Margaret Herbert in Pueblo, Colorado. They had two daughters. Margaret died in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in 1882.
About a year after Margaret’s death, Heise married Louise Leininger. At sometime during their marriage the couple lived in Creston, Iowa. While living there, they divorced. Heise was employed as a traveling salesman, calling on customers in the western states of which he was familiar. What he sold or precisely who were employers is unknown. Suffering the lingering effects of his war wounds, coupled with arthritis and rheumatism, Heise happened upon an idea for a business that he opened in Idaho. He had been told of the healing effects of hot springs on the South Fork of the Snake River, and determined to open a health spa. Thus, in 1896, Heise Hot Springs was founded and became known as a noted health resort and recreation center. Heise built a structure over the hot pools and a log lodge. His visitors came to number in the thousands annually. Heise lived there until his death in 1921.