Bernard (Bernie) A. Heileman, 92, of Dickeyville, WI, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 6, 2024, at home with his family by his side.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where the parish scripture service will be held at 3:45 p.m.

There will be an additional visitation on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, with Fr. Bernard Rott officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of Stelpflug VFW Post # 6455 of Dickeyville.

Bernie was born on January 26, 1932, Potosi, WI, the son of Albert and Louise (Reding) Heileman. He was a graduate of Loras Academy in Dubuque, IA, with the class of 1951. On Tuesday, June 4, 1957, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anita R. Timmerman, at Immaculate Conception Church, in Kieler. They shared 60 years of marriage together.

At the age of 16, while attending Loras Academy, Bernie began working the evening shift for the Dubuque Packing Company where he continued to be employed for over 32 years, until taking early retirement. He built life long friendships with many people in the community as an Insurance Agent with Runde-Heileman Insurance Agency, of Cuba City, WI. He was also an active member of Holy Ghost Church helping out with the annual parish picnic and VFW Post # 6455 of Dickeyville.

Bernie was a true American patriot serving as an Army Sergeant in the Korean war.  He was a Hunter Safety Instructor for 45 years. He shared his love of travel, taking his family to visit several national parks. For over 45 years he shared fishing trips to Canada with family and friends that were always adventurous. He also enjoyed many hunting trips, a good game of Euchre, cooking, animals and nature, gardening, watching football, especially the Packers and Badgers. For Bernie, life was about sharing a meal, a shoulder to lean on, a joke or a beer. Bernie and Anita together were a role model to so many.

Recently he experienced the peace of God through Christ.

John 3:16-17 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Surviving are his children, Gary (Karen) Heileman, Sheila (Vince) Madama, Roxane (Dale Barton) Heileman; son-in-law, Travis (Holly) Franzen; adopted family, Steve and Ann Worthington; (11) grandchildren; (5) great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Heileman; in-laws, Gus (Alvina) Timmerman and Jeanette (Faber) Runde; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Louise; his wife, Anita; two sons, Daniel "Boone" Heileman and Rick Heileman; daughter, Cheryl "Gomer" Franzen; and siblings and brothers in law, Irene (Ambrose) Zenz, Inez Heileman, Margaret Heileman and Rosemary (Charles) Uthe; and in laws, Mary Ann (Phil) Runde.

We are sincerely grateful to those who have given exceptional love, kindness and support in the recent months.  A special thanks goes out to Jodi Heileman, his granddaughter and main caregiver for the past year, allowing him to stay in his home, neighbors, Steve and Anne Worthington, who generously opened their hearts and home sharing unconditional love, kindness, providing abundant support, Gary and Jackie Gantenbein, who kept a watchful eye and made sure the walks and drive were plowed, Vicky Haverland, friend and excellent housekeeper, Janet Kelley, new friend who helped with personal care, lifetime friends, Jack Powell, Wayne Kruser and Kenny Muller, who shared stories and laughter over coffee, all the "angels" at the Kieler Store, and the Grant County Home Health Team who provided rehabilitative care on multiple occasions.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the VFW of Dickeyville to honor Bernie's life and commitment to helping others.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©