Clarice Heller

Clarice Olivia (Ahlers) Heller, 83, of Milford, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, surrounded by her family at Accura Health Care Nursing Home in Milford Iowa.

Born on September 5, 1941, on the family farm in Sioux County, Iowa, near Granville, she was the youngest of five children to William Peter Ahlers and Mary Margaret (Schwarz) Ahlers.

Clarice graduated valedictorian of her class from St. Joseph's (Spaulding) Catholic High School in Granville, IA in 1959. Soon after, she moved to Milford, Iowa to live with her sister Ruth and began working for Dickinson County Savings Bank. It was there she met Raymond Andrew Heller from Emmetsburg, Iowa. The couple married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Granville, Iowa on July 28, 1962 and shortly thereafter they moved to the Heller family farm in rural Milford. She dedicated her life to her family on the farm as a loving homemaker, a dedicated mother, a strong farm hand, an accountant, a guidance counselor, a gardener, a chauffeur, a tutor, a chef, a psychologist, and a role model. After the children moved on, she re-entered the workforce as head of housekeeping for Crescent Beach Lodge for 15 years and then office secretary for Northwest Iowa Sprinkler for 9 years until retirement.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Clarice was the proud mother of eight children: Laura Maluwelmeng (Simon) of Barrigada, Guam, Sheryl Hinkeldey (Jeffrey) of Windom, Minnesota, Patricia Heller of Schertz, Texas, Douglas Heller (Rebecca) of Milford, Iowa, Peggy Tauer (Michael) of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Linda Currier (Troy) of Denison, Iowa, Daniel Heller (Stephanie) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jodi Allard (Kenneth) of Vacaville, California. She was blessed with seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her grandchildren include Brett, Connie, and Devin Maluwelmeng; Ashley Scott, Bridgette Lusk, and Austin Hinkeldey; Robert and Thomas Heller; Alex and Jaden Heller; Kyle, Brandon, and Katelyn Tauer; Jenna Currier; Paxton Heller; and Alyssa and Joshua Allard. Clarice was also the proud great-grandmother of Maya and Gabriella Maluwelmeng; Carly Westling; Hudson and Ellie Hinkeldey; Christopher James (CJ) and Jordan Heller.

Clarice was a longstanding and devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Milford. She devoted her time and talents to various church activities, including quilting for the homeless and helping with numerous church events. In addition to her church involvement, she served on the music parents' board, was active in the young mothers' club and the bowling league. Her commitment to her faith and community was evident in all she did. Clarice was an avid fan of crosswords, sudoku, and the Iowa Hawkeyes, a passion she shared with many.

She touched many lives with her warm heart and her unwavering faith. Her greatest characteristic was her selflessness and devotion to those she loved. Clarice gave and gave and gave her time, talents and caring love. She never expected or wanted anything in return. Her incredible ability to listen and make you feel heard was second to none. There was no judgement, but rather responses filled with loving advice and genuine happiness for you and your accomplishments no matter how big or small. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Clarice was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Florence Ahlers, Lucille Schumacher, Ruth Green, and Emmett Ahlers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Milford, IA on Friday, January 24th at 10:30am with Father Brian Hughes as officiant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Milford, IA. Visitation with family present will be on Thursday, January 23rd from 5-7pm with prayer service at 7pm at the church. Condolences may be sent online at Turner Jenness Funeral Home website. The funeral may be watched livestream via stjosephmilford.org.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Rosary Altar Society of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Milford, Iowa.

Clarice's family is sincerely grateful to the many friends and family who have given them support and comfort during this time of loss and express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers of Avera Health of Milford, Accura Healthcare Nursing Home of Milford, Lakes Regional Hospice of Spirit Lake and all those who provided her with loving support during her final days.

May she rest in peace.