Obituary of LeRoy R. Heideman
A Mass of Christian Burial for LeRoy R. Heideman, age 84 of Spirit Lake, will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, November 25, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:30-10:30am at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given in LeRoy's memory.
LeRoy Robert Heideman, born on June 30, 1939, in Nemaha, Iowa, to Alvin and Rita (Henrich) Heideman, passed away on November 20, 2023, at the age of eighty-four at his home in Spirit Lake.
LeRoy's educational journey took him through schools in Iowa and Minnesota, culminating in his graduation from Benson High School in Benson, Minnesota. Following graduation, LeRoy engaged in farm work and road construction before joining the United States Army in 1961. During his military service, he served as an instructor on the Red Stone Missile and received an Honorable Discharge as a Spec 4 in 1963.
On May 9, 1964, LeRoy married the love of his life, Monica Wagner, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake, Minnesota. The couple initially settled in Lakefield, Minnesota, and later moved to Spirit Lake in 1967, where they raised their children, Charlotte and Robert.
LeRoy embarked on a diverse career journey, including laying underground telephone cable, working for Consumer Lumber/Citation Homes, and driving trucks. In 1972, he purchased his own truck, leasing it to Dana Corp. and later to Warren Transport, hauling goods across North America. In 1981, he transitioned to work as a CNA operator at Stylecraft in Milford, retiring after years of dedicated service. Even in retirement, LeRoy contributed his time by working part-time for the City of Arnolds Park Park Dept. until 2020.
LeRoy's passions extended beyond his professional life. He cherished moments with his family, particularly the joy of teaching his grandchildren how to fish.
Boating, fishing, and rides in the old Jeep brought him immense happiness, and the Wahpeton lake house became a hub for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Ever willing to lend a helping hand, LeRoy was known for his generosity.
A member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, LeRoy was also actively involved in the community as a member of the American Legion and the Spirit Lake Fire Department for two decades.
LeRoy is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-nine years, Monica; children Charlotte Alger (Scott) and Robert Heideman; grandchildren Jeffery and Joshua Alger (fiancée Danielle Selover), and Kayle Heideman (friend Erin Strohmyer) and great-grandchildren, Kinley and Avery Alger. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Kenneth Heideman (Betty); half-siblings Steve Zimmerman (Lucy), Linda Meyer, Sandra Stoffregon (Robert), Larry Heideman (Margarita), Nancy Strom, Ron Heideman, and Don Heideman; sister-in-law Dorothy Wagner; brothers-in-law Jerome Wagner (Carol), Leo Wagner (Dorothy), Lawrence Wagner (Shirley), and Vernon Wagner (Linda). LeRoy also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In celebrating LeRoy's life, we remember a man who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him, embodying love, generosity, and a deep appreciation for family and community.
