Richard (Dick) Andrew Heilman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Richard Andrew (Dick) Heilman, age 97, who passed away Friday, December 15, 2023.

As a devout Catholic, Dick attended St. Ambrose Catholic Church.

Dick Heilman had many wonderful qualities, but his sense of humor, patience, unending generosity, and big smile stood out.

He was born in Milbank SD. Preceded in death by parents Clara and Andrew Heilman, sister Rose Kenyon, brother Ken Heilman and daughter Terry. He is survived by his wife Delores, 3 children Linda (Dave) Klun, Richard (Brenda) Heilman and Angela (Rod) Andreoff, 4 grandchildren Jessica (Ben) Marcy, Andy Klun, Mitchell (Amber) Heilman and Daniel Heilman, 3 great grandchildren Walter and William Marcy and Wyatt Heilman as well as many nieces and nephews.

He loved his wife of 75 years, Delores, dearly. In fact, up until the end, they were still holding hands and kissing each other hello and goodbye. Their relationship started when she was an elevator operator at the Golden Rule department store in St. Paul. He had to ride the elevator many times before getting the courage to ask her out. She thought to herself, “This farm boy is never going to be able to keep up with me on the dance floor.” Boy was she wrong! They even used to waltz on ice skates as their children sat in the snowbank and watched in awe.

Always the diligent worker, Dick enjoyed various jobs. Starting at age 11 he set pins at the bowling alley for a penny a line. While a senior in high school he enlisted in the Navy Air Corp in 1944. The war ended before his pilot training was completed. He liked to joke that Iowa was never invaded while he was stationed there. He retired after 30+ years as a successful salesman for Leslie Paper Company. His clients loved and trusted him, and many of them kept in touch with him even after he retired.

He enjoyed fishing, dancing, playing basketball, tossing the football and softball with his children while mowing the lawn, camping with his family, and traveling to many destinations around the world.

Dick’s favorite saying in his late 90’s was that he did not buy green bananas. He was beloved by the people at Oak Meadows Senior Living for his humor in his final 2 years. His family would like to thank the staff for their many hugs this last week. A Rock Star in the Hospice system for 2 years he made many new friends among the staff at St. Croix Hospice. We thank them for their care and compassion.

Family members and acquaintances have already told us he could really light up a room and he will be missed dearly.

Memorials preferred to the Salvation Army.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Visitation one hour prior to service, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Church, 4125 Woodbury Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129. A luncheon will immediately follow mass at the church. Private Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.