Eugene Joseph Heiling, age 88 of Redwood Falls, passed away Friday, January 18, 2019 surrounded by family at the Seasons Hospice in Redwood Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 23rd at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday January 22nd at the church with a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Floral orders may be placed through Springfield Floral, 1-507-723-6764.
Eugene Joseph Heiling was born March 12, 1930 to Hugo and Mary (Walter) Heiling in Morgan, Minnesota. Eugene grew up on a farm outside of Redwood Falls. After high school graduation, he entered the United States Army as a Tank Commander. Gene then continued in the National Guard, where he served in the Korean War from January 16, 1951 through November 23, 1952. He met the love of his life, Sharon Ann Woelfel, and the two had been married for almost 65 years. Gene began his lifetime career in farming upon leaving the service in addition to owning a grain bin business. He was a passionate man who enjoyed working in his shop fixing, repairing, and building anything and everything for the farm. Eugene loved gardening, playing cards, hunting, and driving his 4-wheel Ranger. His passion to the very end was farming with his youngest son, Chad. Gene was a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Eugene was a hardworking, generous, humble, caring, and faithful family man. Deeply loved and respected by anyone who knew him.
Eugene is survived by his wife Sharon; daughters: Charlene (John) Frank, Linda (Tom) Haak, Rhonda (Dan) DeMuth, and Arlene Stenftenagel; sons: Jeff (Mary), Dave (Tami), Dan (Lorri), Duane (Cindy), Jim (Lisa), Scott (Tammy), and Chad (Stacey). He was a proud grandparent to 33 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. Eugene is also survived by siblings: Paul Heiling, Dolly Bell, Mary Ann Johanneck, Gerald Heiling, Gary Heiling, Mike Heiling, and Mark Heiling. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Hugo Heiling Jr. and Ken Heiling.
Gene was loved by his neighbor kids! It will be very different this spring and fall not seeing him in the tractor right behind Chad because Gene was so anxious to get going or meeting him in his ranger checking up on the fields! Last year the kids and mom had to hurry up and get the snow fence out of the field one day after school because Gene was coming down the road in the big blue Ford and he was ready to go! A very adored man!
Gene was a great man with an unlimited amount of knowledge and wisdom. If the world had more people like Gene we would al be in a better place. It has been a great pleasure knowing Gene and his family for serval decades. Thank you!!
Joel Bill
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sympathies to you and your families ??
Dave & Lori Kopischke
So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I have wonderful memories of your father when I stayed at the Heiling home. He was such a kind man and your mom and dad made me feel at home. He was so proud of his family. He will certainly be missed. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
Dean and Jane Stoks
Sharon & family; I am so very sorry for the loss of Gene. What a wonderful man! He will be dearly missed. I treasure the memories of Gene, never to be forgotten. My thoughts, prayers and Most Sincere Sympathy are with you all ! Take Care. With Much Love, Monique
Your loving family has my sympathy! Gene was a good friend to my dad, Bean. May the memories sustain you & bring you smiles.
So sorry for your loss. Gene was always so happy and content and kind when we used to get together for the Woelfel reunion in Wabasso. Miss seeing all you Woelfel girls.
May he rest in peace.
Our, heartfelt condolences,Gene was and is a wonderful,partner,father,grand and great grandfather,and friend Jackie and Israel Ramos.
Sharon and Family; I am so very, very sorry for the loss of Gene. What a wonderful man!! I have many great memories of Gene.. he was always so kind, happy & genuine. He loved you all so much. My thoughts, prayers & most sincere sympathy are with you all. Take Care. With Much Love, Monique
Our hearts go out to the entire Heiling family and friends. Our sincere condolences to you all. Love, the Johanneck family.
Our Deepest sympathy to the whole Heiling family for your loss. May God’s peace be with you all.
Sincerely,
Laurie & Rob Fish and family
My heart goes out to Sharon, Rhonda, Dan, Duane and the entire Heiling Clan – for your Father, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Grand Father, Great Grand Father, Friend, Mentor and gosh knows what else was a wonderful man – one of my favorites in too many ways to describe. I was so looking forward to seeing him this Winter – so I guess I’ll have to put that on hold for a different time and place. I’ll see him in my memories and in my heart – I’ll carry him with me on my journeys – and I will always smile as I think of him and who he is to me.
Take care, be well, do great things!
Luv Dale
We are sorry for the loss. Our prayers are with their entire Heiling Family.
Love,
Lynda, Josh & Ben Hislop
(Dan & Lorri’s friends from AZ)
So sorry for your loss.
My heartfelt condolences to you Sharon and your family. Gene had personal characteristics and values of what a great person aspires to. He had a contagious laugh that and sense of humor that rubbed off on all those around him.
Gene was a kind and loving person that we all can hope to be. Rest in peace Gene.
Eternal rest grant unto Gene, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, and may God’s Peace be with you all.
– Dcn. Ryan and Erica Pope Family
Sharon and family: I will cherish all the fun memories that we have shared over the years! He will be missed by many. I am so glad that I was able to get to know him and all of you!
Sending each of you a hug and prayers…
Colleen and Al Marcus; Matthew, Autumn & Alyssa
Our sympathies to the entire Heiling family. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. May Gods peace be with you. Jeff and Rondi Kodet family
So sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy and prayers to entire Heiling family.
Take care. God’s peace be with you all.
Penny Hahn Christy
Dan/Lorri and the Heiling family! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Dan, you’ve always spoken so highly about your parents…your dad sounds like an amazing guy and we pray that you feel Christ’s peace during this difficult time. So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. We hope you’ve had some good family time together. We love you guys! Bill, Andi and William (AZ friends)