Barbara Heileman
Barbara Jean Heileman, 92, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Simpson Health Center in Fort Dodge. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 29, at the Tompkins Celebration Center at Friendship Haven, with burial in North Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Barbara, daughter of Henry and Faye (Dewey) Miller, was born May 25, 1933, in Fort Dodge. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1951 and married William H. Heileman in 1952. She worked at the USG Office, First National Bank, Kersten Publishing, and Buena Vista University Fort Dodge Centers. Throughout her life, Barbara was involved in Operation Christmas, PEO and in various roles at the First Presbyterian Church.
She will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, sweet smile, servant’s heart, her love for her family and friends, and her joy of being in the kitchen with loved ones.
She is survived by her children, William S. Heileman, Kim (Curt) Larson, and Lori (Scott) McCrady; grandchildren, Kara (Mark) Heston, Stephanie (Blake) Harvey, Emilie (Justin) Porter, Katy McCrady, Ben (Tiffany) McCrady, and Emily (Troy) McCrady; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren, along with her sister, Karen Tinker, and brother-in-law, Loyd Baker.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Bill; her sister-in-law, Janice Baker; her granddaughter, Madeline; and her great-grandson, Noah Backes.
Memorials may be left to the family for their further discretion.