Johann Gottlieb Heileman (January 6, 1824 in Kirchheim unter Teck, Württemberg – February 19, 1878 in La Crosse, Wisconsin) was the founder of the G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

[1][2] His business strategy focused on producing the best local beer, rather than expanding nationwide like his company's contemporary Anheuser-Busch.

[3] Heileman was born into a family of bakers and brewers in southern Germany, and received training in those occupations during his childhood and early adulthood.

While in Milwaukee he met Johanna Bandel, another Württemberg native, and they moved permanently to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1858.

[2] Heileman met fellow German immigrant John Gund, and they founded the City Brewery in La Crosse, Wisconsin.