Dale Heilman

Funeral Services for Dale K. Heilman, of Albert Lea, will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 22, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Reverend John Holt will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by Freeborn County Veteran's Organizations. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Dale died early Monday morning, April 18, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea. He was 89. He was born on March 2, 1927, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Charles G. and Dolores(Bosacker)Heilman. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and then proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman from March of 1945 until his honorable discharge in July of 1946. Dale returned to Albert Lea, began working at Wilson & Co, drove school bus and then worked for Standard Oil. He was united in marriage to Donna Hanson on June 13, 1948 at the Hayward Lutheran Church. The shared 67 years of marriage and were blessed with four children: Dann, Dara, Doug and Dede. In 1965, Dale started Heilman Oil and then opened Eastside 66 which was one of many service stations he opened in our area. He worked six days a week, but Sunday's were centered on his faith and family. When reflecting on Dale's life, one cannot help but notice how service centered he was. In his work he was always loyal and faithful to his customers. With his ever present positive attitude, he led by example when encouraging others to be engaged and involved in our community. He took an active role in many areas at First Lutheran Church, the Y's Men's Club, Meals on Wheels, and had enjoyed being a part of the American Legion and the Elks. He enjoyed traveling, music, but mostly just being engaged with people- with his family always taking top priority. Dale is survived by his beloved wife Donna of Albert Lea, his children: Dann (Barb) Heilman of Red Wing, MN, Dara Heller of Mebane NC, Doug (Kathy) Heilman of Sioux Falls, SD, and Dede (Patrick) George of Albert Lea, grandchildren: Katie (Nate) Strand, Scott (Sillys) Heilman, Jeff Heilman (Yena Phillips) Jesse (Lindsey) Heller, Marie-Claire (Marcel) Kore, Christopher (Lisa) Fair, Tad (Stephanie) Fair, Jake Fair, Allison (John) Kyriagis and Bryan Heilman (Samantha Wynveen), six great grandchildren, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Russell and Patricia Hanson of Hastings, MN, and many nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Dolores Heilman, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Irvin and Florence Hanson, brother Chuck Heilman and his wife Pat and sister-in-law Charlotte and her husband Jack Johnsrud.
Memorials suggested to Peace and Power
"Well done, you good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21)