Joe Heilman

Joseph F. Heilman, the son of Ferdinand and Pauline (Massine) Heilman was born December 4, 1925 in Rugby, North Dakota. He died at the age of 93 on Friday, November 29, 2019 at St. Gabriel’s Community in Bismarck, North Dakota. Joe grew up in Pierce County and has lived here all of his life. He received his education in the Silva and Rugby schools, graduating from Silva High School, the class of 1944. Joe was united in marriage to Loretta Held on October 13, 1947 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selz. The couple raised their family on their farm southeast of Rugby. Joe was a loving husband and father, always showing support and guidance. He enjoyed music, both singing and playing guitar, entertaining family and friends with his yodeling. He also loved dancing and was known at wedding dances for his whistling. He was dedicated to farming and raised cattle too. He was a hard worker and very resourceful. Two of his favorite sayings were: “If there’s a will, there’s a way” and “What you do today is done tomorrow”. Joe was kind and generous, always lending his time, talent and resources. He was a longtime school bus driver and gained the respect of both students and parents for his service and gentle guidance. Upon retiring, Joe and Loretta moved to Rugby and embraced camping and fishing. His love of farming continued into gardening and yardwork, and he also became active in woodworking. He was active in his church and was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He achieved the status of 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight. Joe is survived by Loretta, his five children Donna (Al) Jundt; David (Helen); Duane (Jeni); Don (Kara); and Deb (Randy) Westby; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 2 sisters-in-law. He is preceded by his parents; his siblings Peter, John and 3 siblings in infancy; a granddaughter and 2 grandsons. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 9th at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the church cemetery. Father Anthony Cruz, Celebrant & Father Tom Graner, Concelebrant. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby with a rosary and vigil prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. There will be no reviewal at the church. The Casket Bearers: (Grandsons), Brad Jundt, Eric Jundt, Dean Heilman, Tim Heilman, Tom Heilman, Joe Heilman, Nick Heilman and Ryan Westby