Jerry F. Heim

Jerry F. Heim 74, of Dubuque formally of La Motte, IA passed away peacefully at home on Sunday September 15, 2019 surrounded by the love of his family.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday September 19, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be said at 2:45 p.m. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at The Church of the Nativity at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 20th, 2019 with Father Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery in Bernard, IA with military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jerry was born on May 26, 1945 in Bellevue, IA to Vincent and Elizabeth (Clasen) Heim. In 1963, he graduated from Holy Rosary High School in LaMotte, IA. 

Jerry married Ginny (Esser/Shanahan) Heim on June 19, 1981.  They spent 38 special years together. 

Jerry worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for 12 years.  He then went to work for Robert and Mary Schulte Construction, Orkin Pest Control and end up retiring from Cascade Lumber in 2006.  His two favorite employers were Robert and Mary Schulte and Cascade Lumber who always treated him like family.  In addition, he served in the Iowa National Guard 1963 to 1967. 

Jerry enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing, bowling, working in his workshop, playing euchre and blackjack with an occasional trip to the casino to play the penny slots.  Upon retirement, Jerry and Ginny became snow birds for 3 years in Florida with Duane and Shirly Esser. 

Jerry is survived by his wife Ginny of 38 years and 2 daughters, Sue (Mark) Howard of Basehor, KS, and Amiee Heim.  His 2 grandchildren, William and Addison Howard.  His siblings Joe (Mary) Heim of Waverly, NE, Elaine (John) Pitts of Dubuque; Phylis Wolbers of Dubuque and Norb (Dee) Heim of Dubuque. Marlene (Steve) Sauser of Cascade; Duane (Shirley) Esser of Prairie du Chein WI; Jane (Doug) Ledbury of Alma, WI, Judy (Ken) Raisbeck of Cassville, WI and Bev Esser.  His extended family, Eulaine (Jim) Hutchcroft Paul (Arlene) Shanahan, Bob Timmerman, George and Mary Felderman and Chuck (Mary) Shanahan.  Plus many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Elizabeth Heim, brothers William and Jim Heim, brother in law Sam Wolbers, Sister in law Marilyn Heim, Father and Mother in-Law Vincent and Marie Esser, Gary and Marsha Esser, his extended family, Ann Timmerman, Loras and Julie Shanahan, John and Isabelle Shanahan and Pat Shanahan. 

Jerry was a proud papa to his two grandchildren, William and Addison.  He often, said William was his little pill who helped him fight many health battles since William was 9 months old for and that Addison was the apple of his eye.  He was always quick with a joke and enjoyed watching a good western.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the family, friends and to the neighbors of Andrew Court especially The Noel family who were always there when they needed help.  Jerry and Shirley Tauke for the numerous games of Euchre.  Dr. Cao and his nurse Melissa, Dr. Kahn, Finley Hospital, University of Iowa Health Systems, Dr. Schope and his nurse Lori and Hospice of Dubuque especially Jen, Amy and Ryan. 

In lieu of flowers, a Jerry F Heim memorial fund has been established. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.