The Mass of Christian Burial for Geraldine “Gerry” Heilman, 90, of Aberdeen, SD, formerly Bowdle, SD, will be 12:00pm, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Gregory Tschakert officiating. Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Aberdeen. Gerry died Monday, January 20, 2025, at Angelhaus in Aberdeen.

Visitation will be 3:00-7:00pm, Wednesday, with family present from 5:00-7:00pm, followed by a Wake and Rosary at 7:00pm at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street.

Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Goettling was born January 27, 1934, to Oscar and Margaret (Stinson) Goettling on the family farm near Bowdle, SD. She grew up on the farm and attended country school through the eighth grade. She then attended Bowdle High School, graduating in 1952 as valedictorian. She then went on to receive her two-year Teacher’s Certificate from Presentation Junior College.

Gerry followed her sweetheart, George Heilman to Washington and they were married on October 23, 1954, in Yakima, Washington. Gerry taught school for one year before they started their family, and she became a home maker.

In October 1968, George and Gerry, with their seven children, returned to Bowdle. Later, two additional children were added to complete the family. Back in South Dakota, they began farming south of Bowdle with Gerry’s parents. For forty-one years, the family owned a livestock and dairy farming operation and raised purebred Charolais bulls. Later, Gerry was instrumental in raising and selling registered dogs.

While living in Bowdle, Gerry was a member of St. Augustine’s Altar Society Catholic Daughters. She was a terrific cook and baker, making delicious Kuchen, brownies, and caramel rolls.

Gerry and George retired from farming in 2009 and moved to Mina, SD, to be closer to their family and were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen. George passed away on July 30, 2017. In her retirement, Gerry enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared Gerry’s life are her children: Mike (Rhonda) Heilman, Butler, SD, Terry (Evelyn) Heilman, Bowdle, SD, Ron (Marty) Heilman, Ephrata, WA, Patty (Jon) Pietz, Aberdeen, SD, Jacki (Paul) Wilson, Mina, SD, Mary (Mike) Pence, Westport, SD, Tim (Darlys) Heilman, Warner, SD, Tom (Dionne) Heilman, Whitewood, SD, Bob (Michelle) Heilman, Westport, SD; grandchildren: Dave (Kari) Heilman, Greg (Danielle) Heilman, Josh Manning, Christina (Chris) Sumption, Joel (Danielle) Heilman, Jessica Heilman, Peter (Kaley) Heilman, Justin (Grace) Heilman, Jordan (Janessa) Pietz, Landan (Claire) Pietz, Amber (Matt) Biegler, Lindsey Hardy, Abbey (Trevor) Zens, Taylor (Rick) Lewandowski, Margaret Pence, Mitchell Pence, Ryan (Logan) Heilman, Rachel Heilman, Spencer (Shantell) Heilman, Matthew Heilman, MacKenzie (Preston Barse) Heilman, Tyler (Emilie Larson) Heilman; great-grandchildren: Hadley, Lincoln, Aimee, Eli, Piper, Asher, Carlin, Leo, Ashlyn, Jase, Stetson, Sawyer, Margaret, Victoria, William, Henry, Ava, Ida, Cannon, Collins, Greyson, Lennon, Adalynn, Emma, Ryland, Sawyer, Wren, Charlie, Bentley, Jackson, Tommy, & Andrew.

Preceding Gerry in death are her parents Oscar & Margaret Goettling, and her husband George Heilman.