"Jackie & family, I was so sorry to hear about your loss, I was losing my grandmother at that time and was not able to make it to Elba, What can I say but WHAT A GUY!!!! always laughing or at the very least smiling! seems like I just seen you guys at mr. pizza. Upon reading the other entries written, everyone talks about his smile and generousity, what a great way to be remembered, he obviously left a huge impact on alot of people, take comfort in all of that, keep your faith, I know he will watch over all of you, and take comfort in the fact that he's in the best hands there is! may God give you strength, to help you get through this. Connie"
In loving memory of
Douglas John Heim
September 5, 1963 - December 29, 2007
Douglas John Heim, 44, of rural St. Charles, died Saturday December 29, 2007 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse as a result of injuries received in a Snowmobile accident.
Doug was born September 5, 1963 in Rochester to William P. and Rocky (Fay) Heim. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1982, where he was active in wrestling and football. Following High School he attended Winona Vo-Tech and studied in their farm program. Doug married Jackie Manemann on July 16, 1988 in Elba and made their home north of St. Charles. He worked for Hormel Co. in Austin for five years. Currently he raised hogs and was part owner in SE Minnesota Insurance Services, selling life and health insurance.
Doug was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba, St. Charles Moose Lodge and Whitewater Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. He was a fan of high school wrestling and football, enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved to go on family camping trips up north.
Survivors include his wife, Jackie, two sons, Ben and Jeff, both at home, his parents; Bill P (Julie) Heim of Rochester and Rocky (Dick) Abbott of Erie, CO, a sister Darci (Peter) Kopischke of Rochester, a brother Greg (Jodi) Heim of St. Charles, parents-in-law Gerald and Joann Manemann of St. Charles. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Lynden Heim.
A Funeral Mass will be 11AM Thursday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Elba. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Thursday.
To view Doug's on-line guestbook or view his Tribute Video on-line go to www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=13486
Tributes
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"Dear Jackie, Ben, Jeff and family, We were so sad to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Bonnie and Jon"
"Dear Jackie I just learned of Doug's passing and just read the guestbook. My heartfelt sympathy to your family. Who in the class of '82 doesn't have a fun memory of you and Doug? I know I have many and from reading the guest book so did many others. Even though not in touch of recent I only hold the best regard for you and Doug and I was sad to hear of his accident. God's blessings on you and your boys at this time. Your parents came to the wakes of both my parents in '05 and last March and they were a treat to see and catch up on news of you and Doug and your boys. You are blessed with a wonderful family. Take care."
"We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers."
"So sorry for your loss! We were in Colorado at the time but Steve told us. He will be missed by many !!! All our prayers are with your family."
"Knew Doug as he was my brother's agent for annuities and I met or spoke with him several times since my brother's illness and death. My deepest sympathies at your loss."
"Doug's infectious smile and sense of humor could light up any room. He was the high light of my day when he stopped in at the shop, always willing to lend a hand in what ever I was doing. He worked tirlessly during the flood helping everyone. He was a great friend and we will miss him dearly. Jackie, Ben, and Jeff, our hearts go out to you. Love your friends, Tom and Lisa"
"To the Heim Family; So sorry to hear of your loss. Life has many crossroads and it seems like they come along at the most unexpected time."
"To the entire family, my heart and prayers are with you daily. It was very obvious to everyone these past few days that Doug was a very much loved man. The crowds of people there to pay tribute to him and to support the family was a true testiment to that. Jackie, Jeff, and Ben, he is looking down and smiling on you. Your faith and the love of your family and friends will pull you through. Just believe."
"Jackie, Ben, Jeff All our Prayers and thoughts are with you. What a caring personality,he always waved and honked as he went by our place.We will miss this. To Bill Pat and Rocky our sympathy goes out to both of you,we are so sorry for the loss of your son. Our deepest Sympathy to All."
"My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family Jackie. I am going to miss Doug's warm smile and a wave everytime I saw him. Doug will be missed by his family and friends."
"Jackie and Family, we are very sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"We we so saddened to hear of Doug's accident and then death. Jackie, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember our time together with you and Doug in Hawaii. God be with you and your boys."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug's smile and infectious laugh will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss."
"Dear Jackie: Please accept my condolances. I lost my Dad quickly this past Nov due to cancer. I can only begin to understand what a void your father's death represents. On behalf of my company, Celgene, and myself please accept our condolences for your loss and please accept our respect for your professionalism of which since I have personally experienced it I know your father would be proud. With Kindest Simpathy Personally and Professionally, Kelly Woods (CRA, Celgene Corporation)"
"I am so sorry to hear about Doug and the loss for you and your family. Please know I am thinking about you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies."
"Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. We pray that God will wrap his loving arms around all of you and comfort you during this difficult time."
"To all of Doug's family, Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you. Doug will be missed. He had such a wonderful smile which will forever be remembered."
"To Doug's Family and Friends, Our thoughts and hearts go out to you during this time of tragic loss. Doug will always be remembered for bringing a genuine smile to everyone that he met. Doug was extremely special to many people and will be greatly missed. Wish that we could be there. Take care of one another. We Love you! "
"Jackie, Boys and Family, There aren't words to share the sincere sympathy for your family in your time of loss. Know that there are many praying for you and your family, but also remembering his spirit will live on in each and everyone of you and continue to smile. Let your heart speak and know that he is always there for you. My prayers will continue to be with each and everyone of you in the days ahead."
"Doug will surely be missed his happy smile and jolly personality to Jackie my prayers and hugs go out to you and your boys I am sorry I couldn't be there but my prayers and sympathy are with you and thinking and praying for you. Doug was a great guy. God Bless you Jackie and boys and family"
"Doug's smile was always amazing, he had a great way of lighting up the room where ever he was. Our thoughts are with all of you. God Bless. The Lauritzen's"
"We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers."
"Doug was truly a special person and it was an honor to have known him. He always had a smile on his face and was good for a laugh. He will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends."
"Doug will be missed. He was never without a smile and a story. To the family of Doug, our deepest heartfelt sympathy to each of you."
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"I'm so sorry for your loss and the heartbreak you've experience during the holidays. Peace to you."
"My prayes are with you all."
"Jackie, Ben, and Jeff. Our prayers are with you and your entire family. We loved Doug. He always lightened up the room where ever he was a had the biggest smile and heartiest laugh. He will be greatly missed by everyone that he touched in his short life. LOVE YOU!"
"Doug will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him! He was a great guy and a friend of everyone that knew him! We will keep your family in our prayers!"
"Doug had an infectious sense of humour. He had a sharp wit and was very dextrous with words. But more importantly, Doug was a friend to everyone he met. Instantly likeable, and affable. I think there must be few people who have met Doug who were not affected by his warm & witty personality. He had a curious ability to make a big impact on almost everyone he met. He will be missed."
"I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"I was saddened at the news of this unfortunate event which has taken Doug away from his loved ones. When I think of Doug, I canā??t help but smile and chuckle, which are a testament of his character and my memories of him. I can only hope that his family and friends can also find some solace in their own memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, may God be with you."
"Deeply sorry to hear of the sudden and tragic loss. Douglas will be in our prayers. Love, Paul & Kay"
"Jackie, We were so saddened to learn of Doug's death. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the funeral. We will keep you and your family in our prayers."
"Doug was the most genuine, caring person I have ever met. He always said what he thought and had that contagious smile. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Greg and family; I am so sorry for your terrible loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"Jackie you and your family have our deepest sympathy during this difficult time in your lives."
"We will miss Doug, but we will not forget all the wonderful times. He will be missed by all. Jackie & the boys will be in our hearts & prayers, we are here for you. Our sympathy to all of the family members."
"Jackie, Ben, and Jeff, Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you all. We all will miss Doug's warm and easy smile, and contagious laugh. We always enjoyed spending time with him. Brian, Frances, Bennett, and Johanna"
"To Jackie and the boys: I am so sorry to hear about Doug. He will be truely missed and always remembered. Please know that you and your family have my thoughts and prayers. Steph Hansen"
"My heart goes out to your entire family. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"My Dearest Rocky and Dick, Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Darci, Gregg and families. It is so hard to says what is in our hearts. We share in your saddness and will be here to comfort you when times get to much for you to cope with. Your faith is your strongest asset and God will surly help you through this sad time. Love, Linda and Dave"
"Jackie and family, Sorry about your loss of Doug. I enjoyed his sense of humor in wrestling and even sometimes in the classroom. Teri and I are leaving St Charles today and will not be able to join you but our thoughts are with you. Jon and Teri Arnold "
"I just visited with Doug two weeks ago at a funeral for a relative of his. I had not seen him for a while before that. It was nice to catch up with him. His sense of humor and smile will live in our hearts. Doug was a pleasure to have on the wrestling team. I can still picture him with his protruded lip expression saying, "Ain't that somethin." God Bless Jackie, the boys, and the rest of the family."
"We are sorry to hear of Doug's death. Our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy are with your family."
"What I remember about Doug in High School was that he was a friend to everyone. Jackie: I wish you and your family the best."
"My thooghts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your family are in our prayers. Tom McCabe"
"words can't say how bad we feel for BILL and his sons family we never knew BILLS son , as i moved from Elba 50 yrs ago , but recently , we were reunited with Bill through his insurance business. our hearts go out to you all .your only comfort , is your caring friends & relatives , and knowing he is with our loving savior in heaven, the LORD , JESUS CHRIST"
"We were sorry to hear about Doug. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"where to start? In his eyes we see light& warmth,In his voice we hear music& truth,For in our hearts we'll be forever missing you! Our deepest sympathy to family& friends."
"Jackie and Family: I was so sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with you all."
"I've known Doug since I was a little girl and my big sister dated his brother Chip. I even remember helping Jackie give the boys a bath when they were little. While I wouldn't know Ben or Jeff if I saw them today, I will always remember their dad's laugh and smile. Sadly, the last time I saw Doug, I was at my own sister's funeral and he was there comforting his friend Mike in his time of grief. Now it is our turn to support Jackie and the boys in their time of grief. My heart goes out to you. Just know Doug is smiling down every day and I bet him and Lori are having a damn good time together :) Rest in peace Doug, we will all see you again."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"All my deepest sympathy to Doug's loved ones. I remember lots of laughter and fun whenever Doug was around. Be it on the bus to school, at catechism, or at a party. Doug was truly a bright light in this world and he will be missed terribly."
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families at this difficult time."
"Doug was a great guy, we had a lot of fun on the farm when we were young, he will be missed by many"
"Doug It is funny how you never forget the first time you meet a person. I met Doug at his Grandma & Grandpa's house when I was in grade school. I don't remember how old I was but I never will forget that. He was the Cool older kid. We ran in to each other over the years and he always made sure to say Hi. I will never forget Doug he lived life to the fullest in my eyes . Take Care Jackie,Ben and Jeff and all others of his Loved ones. That grin he always had on his face will always be remembered by me and all. Dan Nicklay"
"Dear Jackie,Ben&Jeff and the entire Hiem family What a great loss of a very special person. Doug was a very dear friend to our entire family and will be dearly missed.The years were too few for such a wonderful person may his laughter and smiles carry on in his sons. May the thoughts and prayers of those who love you comfort you at this time of sorrow. With love and sympathy, Mike,Shelly,Michael&Michelle"
"To the Heim family, We pray that you may have peace in your heart. God bless you all. The Swenson family, Pam, Larry, Rick, Trudy, Renae, Scott, Greg, John and Leah. Our Deepest Sympathy."
"Jackie and boys, My prayers and sympathy are with all of you. Doug was a great guy, always easy to talk to and had a great sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many. May you sense God's peace during this difficult time and may He wrap you up in His loving arms. Know you are loved and cared about by many. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 "
"To Jackie & the boys We will always remember Doug as a guy who was always ready to give and help out. He was always there for us. He will be missed! He was like a son to Donnie. With our Deepest Sympathy. Love, Donnie & Judy Ball"
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"Dear Jackie, Ben and Jeff, We first met Doug through the FSA and then through the SC wrestling family. He was always quick to deliver a friendly greeting and made sure to have the rooms full attention for a good joke or story. His distinct voice was heard cheering at every sporting event he attended. He certainly will be missed. Please know that family and friends are here for you to lean on during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
""
"Doug will be greatly missed. He was a guy who could bring laughter to a room no matter what the mood. He always had something to talk about, I swear Jeff and him could talk for hours. We will always remember him as a man who would give anything to help you out. What a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, we love you all!!!"
"Many thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you all sense the surrounding power of love, even in this dark time."
"Doug will be greatly missed. You and your family are in our prayers."
"I have known your family from the wrestling matches. This summer as our daughter kellie married into the Heim family, I had the opportunity to get to know the fun loving, strong and united family the Heims are. May a star shine brighter as Doug watches over you. God bless the entire Heim family."
"Jackie, Ben and Jeff When I think of Doug, I instantly get a gret big smile on my face. Whenever he was around, I saw how happy my dad and him were together. They loved to play jokes on each other, and I remember all the bruises my dad got from their pinching fights. He is my dad's best friend and also my sister's godfather. He has been at our family's most memorable moments ( graduation's, weddings, camping and hunting trips). I still can't believe he is gone. He was with my dad that horrible night of the accident. I am just glad that he was with people who loved him and were there when he needed them. I will never foget him, and he will live on forever in our family's hearts and I see pieces of Doug in Ben and Jeff. So sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need we are there."
"I will always have a joy in my heart and smile on my face when thinking of Doug. The times at the farm were too few, but I always looked forward to the time I got to spend with the Heim's. I loved the card games on Christmas day! I am so sorry for the loss of Doug in all of our lives. I am sure that Charlie and Doug are finding some great hunting ground in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time."
"Heim Family- Sorry for your recent loss. May you find comfort in the fond memories that you have shared together. Jeff- Although I have only recently got to know you, you've been an outstanding example for all to emulate. During this difficult time know that the community and your team is behind you.... Just know that I care, and if you ever need to call -- at any time, feel free to call. Zach Zierden"
"My thoughts and prayers are with each of you Jackie, Ben and Jeff. Doug touched a lot of lives with his humor and infectious smile. He will be missed by many friends and family. God bless you all."
"Just seeing Doug made me smile because when he smiled his whole face lit up and his eyes twinkled. He will be deeply missed."
"My sympathy to the family. Rest in peace, Doug."
"Doug was a one of a kind! He was always interested in what you had to say. He would do anything for anybody! His friendly wave and smile, when we would meet him on the road, will be dearly missed. To his family~May you receive new, each day,the gift of the Holy Spirit, to give you the strength you need & peace in you heart. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to each of you."
"Our heartfelt sympathy to Doug's family. He will be greatly missed by everyone. I have so many great memories of Doug when I would be at the farm babysitting Ben & Jeff. His smile was infectious."
"Doug was such a sweet man. I remember when my son got hurt working with Doug, he was so worried and thoughtful when he brought Bill to the hospital, he was so kind. He will be greatly missed by many. My deepest sympathy to all his family and know that you now have your own Angel, you are in my prayers."
"Dougie is missed so much by so many people. His humor, whit and caring heart will be forever remembered and greatly missed. I am blessed to have many a happy and funny memories to help (in time) overcome the heartache of his passing. Jackie and boys, please know that there are many people who share your saddness and that we all care about you. May the peace that God freely gives to all help ease your pain during this difficult time."
"I WANT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO JACKIE, BEN AND JEFF AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO LOVED DOUG. I KNOW THERE IS A LONG LIST. BE ASSURED THAT MY GRANDPA, "UNCLE JOHN" TO DOUG, DARCI AND GREG, WAS WAITING AT THE GATE WITH A BIG BEAR HUG WELCOMING DOUG HOME. GOD'S BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED. WITH LOVE AND SYMPATHIES. TERRI"
"Jackie, My deepest sympathies to your entire family over this tragic loss."
"Our deepest thoughts are with Doug's family. Doug will surely be missed. God bless you in this time of sorrow."
"Dear Jackie, Ben, and Jeff, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. I remember Doug from St. Aloysius Church and very much enjoyed him. Doug always had a smile on his face and had something funny to say! Ben, I enjoyed getting to know you as well when you hung out with Kirsten at Bloom's. The first time I saw you, I knew you had to be Doug's son. I wish you all the very best. Please know that many, many prayers are being said for all of you and that our dear Lord is with you. I hope this will be able to soften your great loss. We will all miss Doug! Blessings! Julie, Katie, Kirsten, and Dane Mueller"
"Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I pray that God will give you strength and peace as you go through this difficult time."
"My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers."
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories and the love of friends and family comfort you."
"Words can not express the loss we all feel for Doug and his family. He was the kind of person to give you the shirt off his back and always look after you. He was my husband's best friend and a very dear friend to our entire family, Mandy's God Father as well. He will always be with us in thought and prayers. His family is our family and we love you all so very much. God Bless you all and help us all through this terrible loss."
"Jackie&Boy's Doug was a guy once you met him you never forgot him---alway's smiling & joking around & I know he had a soft spot in his heart. I would get a kick out of the way he & Steve (our son-in-law) would alway's be teasing & kidding each other.There's not much one can say at a time like this other than we're thinking of you Jacki & boy's & may his memories sustain you always."
"We are so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. He was a great guy who could always make us smile. He was so proud of his family. He and Frank had many 'wrestling' discussions. We can only imagine the pain you feel at this time and pray that God will give you strength to overcome the grief. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Doug will be missed greatly by many people. His family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"I enjoyed talking to Doug about wrestling. I did not know how he was going to greet me after a match, but I knew I was going to laugh at something he said, or how he said it. He was very positive to me and supportive of the wrestling program. The Kobs family has the Heim's in their thoughts today. "
"Jackie, Ben & Jeff: Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Doug and your dad. We have many happy memories of his great smile, his laughter was contagious and always so happy and joyful to be around. Jeff fondly remembers him always wearing cowboy boots and we still have a photo of him in our basement from a Christmas dinner one year at the Wagon Wheel. He will be missed by many and we want you to know you remain in our thoughts & prayers in the days to come. In sympathy and love."
"Dear Jackie, Ben, and Jeff, My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Doug's goodness and warm smile will always live in the hearts and minds of all those that knew him. May God bless you and your family now and always!"
"The loss of his smile and laughter is tragic. It was too soon, and we are deeply sorry. Your family is in our prayers."
"Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts."
"Dear Jackie,Ben and Jeff, It wont be the same with Doug gone, He made it a habit to stop in the store everyday and boy could he liven the place up. He was always a big help to anyone who neede help with anything ie. the flood and clean-up.He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. God Bless....."
"To the Heim family, our deepest sympathy and prayers are with all. Doug was a very passionate person and lived life to it's fullest. He also could roast a mean hog. God bless you all"
"Doug was such a fun guy. I bought a boar pig from him several years ago and have never forgotten the fun loving person he was. Dougs family is in my thoughts, I am so saddened to hear about your loss."
"Dear Jackie, Ben and Jeff Doug is going to be missed by so many people. He touched many peoples heart with his smile and laughter. No matter where he was he was the life of the party. He would have done anything for anyone. I am greatful to have so many great memories of him and they will never be forgotten. My Prayers and thoughts are with all of you."
"I always liked running in to Doug on trips back to Minnesota. What a personality! Gone, but never forgotten. Take care Jackie, Ben and Jeff--my thoughts are with you."
"Jackie, Ben and Jeff I am so sorry for you that you have lost Doug. Jackie, you and Doug always seemed to appreciate each other's strengths and weakensses - true soul mates. Ben and Jeff, I hope it helps you to know how much your dad meant to so many people. I'll always remember his captivating smile and belly laugh. He truly seemed to appreciate the adventures life had to offer. He will be missed."
"I am so sorry about your loss of a dear family member. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time."
"Doug was always someone that would tell you the truth about everything. He was always one that could make anyone laugh. Doug you will be missed in the family, remember that we all love you!!"
"I will remember Doug from the days when I would babysit him at his home on the farm. Doug was always a great kid and my sympathy extends to all of his family. To Doug's children, remember that your dad will always be with you in spirit and to Doug's wife, draw on the love of others and trust that Doug is with Jesus in Heaven. To Bill Pat and Rocky, my sympathy goes out to both of you, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Please know you are all in my prayers and you are loved."