Jerald F. Heiman, 94, of Axtell, Kansas passed away November 9, 2024, at the Community Memorial Healthcare Hospital in Marysville.

Jerald was born at home on September 13, 1930, to Lawrence and Marie Wietharn Heiman.  He was the 2^nd of 6 children.  He grew up north of Baileyville, Kansas on the family farm. He attended Cottonwood Country School until 2nd grade then attended Baileyville grade and high schools. He graduated from Baileyville High School in 1948.

He worked many farming jobs in his youth besides helping his father on the family farm. He also helped build the present-day Sacred Heart church in Baileyville.  From 1953-1955, Jerald served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany with the 964 Engineers.  From that time, he made some lifelong friends.  He returned to the States and worked city jobs before he resumed farming.

On August 4, 1956, he married Rose Rottinghaus.  To this union, 4 children were born – Bradley Jerald of Axtell, Denise Marie of Axtell, Gregory Arthur of McPherson, and Bruce Edward of Summerfield.  He and his wife farmed north of Axtell for 45 years before moving to town in Axtell.

He coached Little and Pony League baseball for many years after playing catcher for many teams in his youth and early married life.  He served on St Michael’s School Board 2 years and USD 488 School Board for 8 years respectively while his children were attending school. Jerald was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 214 for more than 60 years and worked Bingo most Thursday nights in the 1960’s through 1974. He was a Knights of Columbus Council 1163 member for more than 60 years. He enjoyed playing pinochle and bridge, working crossword puzzles, and fishing in his retirement.  He also enjoyed reunions with his army buddies and attended them being the oldest of the group.  He will be missed by family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Rose in 2020 and his parents in 1993, his brothers Larry in 1956, Art in 2013, and George in 2021, and his wife Rose in 2021.

He is survived by his children, Bruce (Kim) Heiman of Summerfield; Greg (Judy) Heiman of McPherson; Brad (Kass) Heiman of Axtell; and daughter Denise Heiman of Axtell. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and his two sisters: Janice Larkin-Kedrowski and Jolene Haverkamp.

His rosary will be prayed at 7 P.M. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St Michael’s Church.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A.M. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at St Michael’s Church in Axtell with burial in St Michael’s cemetery at a later date.

Memorials to be given in Jerald’s memory can be written to St Michael’s Cemetery or St Michael’s Church and sent in care of the family.