Francis B. Heilman

SALIX, Iowa -- Francis B. Heilman, 87, of Salix passed away Monday, March 12, 2012, at a Sioux City hospital. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salix, with the Rev. Patrick O'Kane officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. Visitation with the family present will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences may be posted at www.meyerbroschapels.com. Francis "Tiny" Heilman was born October 5, 1924, in Lawton, Iowa, to Clarence E. and Helen M. (Tevis) Heilman. He graduated from Sioux City East High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He married Pauline L. (LaCroix) Murray on June 12, 1945. He was employed with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He enjoyed fishing, farming and playing cards. Survivors include his wife, Pauline; children, Mary Rutherford, Kate Speck, Marcia (Les) Snow, Helen (Keith) Robley, Tim (Jeanne), Roger, Steve, Barbara (Richard) Parker and Patricia Cortner; a brother, Don (Betty) Heilman; three sisters, Isabel Gragg, Mary (LeRoy) Hachinski and Phyllis (Marvin) Graham; 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, George and David; siblings John H. Heilman and Jean Rhodes; and a granddaughter, Megan Cortner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.