Edward A. Heilman, the son of Sebastian and Lena (Haberlack) Heilman was born on February 15, 1931 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 87 years on Friday, February 8, 2019 at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Edward grew up on the family farm in Elverum Township, Pierce County and has lived there all his life.  He received his education in the Silva School.  Edward was united in marriage to Frances Selensky on October 23, 1956 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby.  The couple made their home, farmed and raised their family on the Heilman family farm near Balta.  He enjoyed farming, which was his life and loved to watch the crops grow all summer long.  He was also a cattle rancher.  Ed was a gentle, loving husband and father with plenty of patience and taught his children right from wrong.  His greatest joys were being outside at the farm, playing cards and being with family.  Ed also loved to listen and dance to polka music.  He was a long time, faithful member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta, served on the church board for many years and was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus.  He loved to be in the church and was an EMHC minister for many years.  Ed was active on the Balta school board for 12 years and drove school bus for 25 years.  He will be missed by family, relatives and friends.  As dad always said, if it is not broke, don’t fix it.

Ed is survived by his two daughters, Jolette (Jeff) Krabbenhoft of Fargo and Janelle (Paul) Waliser of Bismarck; three sons, Jerell (Rita) of Bismarck, Kenny of Balta and Randy (Melissa) of Bismarck; 14 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Ann Haman of Carrington and Irene Martin of Clarkston, WA; numerous nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (August 29, 2008); sisters, Alvina and Regina; brothers, Joe and twins, Leroy and Larry and his parents.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 14^th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta with spring burial in the church cemetery.  Father Brian Bachmeier, Celebrant.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday with a rosary and vigil prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby.  Visitation will continue Thursday for one hour prior to the time of services at the church in Balta.

Casket Bearers:  Sons, Jerell Heilman, Kenny Heilman, Randy Heilman; Grandsons, Joseph Krabbenhoft, Christopher Krabbenhoft, Scott Krabbenhoft and Logan Pieterick

Honorary Bearers:  All Grandchildren