Gerald (Jerry) Heideman, 93, of Seneca, Kansas passed away peacefully at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital January 6, 2019.

Jerry was born May 4, 1925 to Henry and Catherine (Henry) Heideman of Baileyville. He attended school in Baileyville until he was sixteen and needed on the family farm. He continued working on the family farm and working for other farmers until 1945.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945. He served his country at Fort Sam Houston, Texas where he attended Dental Technician School. He was honorably discharged in 1947 and returned to farming near Corning.

On October 20, 1951, he married Alice Mahoney at St. Patrick's Church, Corning, KS. They celebrated many anniversaries and were blessed with 67 years of marriage. They moved onto a farm southwest of Corning where he built a successful farm and Grade A Dairy. Their farm home was the center of activity with hard work mixed with plenty of laughter and fun. The grandchildren especially enjoyed visiting often. In 2013, they made their home in Seneca, where his close family continued to gather.

His hobbies included vegetable gardening and playing cards. He was a good storyteller and loved being surrounded by family. He served for many years as trustee on Red Vermillion Township Board. He was a member of the Corning American Legion Post #37 and the Knights of Columbus of Corning. Jerry was a devoted Catholic with very strong faith. He was member of St. Patrick's Church in Corning until 2013, when they then joined Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Sister Karen Heideman and Ray Heideman and son, Mark Gerald Heideman.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, children, Ken (Mary) Heideman of Corning, Ron (Teresa) Heideman of Topeka, Keith (Lana) Heideman of Wamego, Gary (Phyllis) Heideman of Corning, Carol (Tim) Sack of Seneca, Deb (Keith) Hermesch of Seneca, Marcia (Bob) Johnson of Maple Hill, Craig (Deb) Heideman of Topeka, Chris Heideman of Wichita, and Dennis (Janet) Heideman of Baileyville. And siblings Virginia Runnebaum, Bob Heideman, Ann Gress, Carolyn Osterhaus of Seneca, Charlie Heideman, Gene Heideman and Rita Reed of Topeka, Tony Heideman and Ben Heideman of Corning. He also was richly blessed with 29 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 8 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, January 9 at 10:30 at St. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Corning.

Memorials contributions may be left in memory of Jerry for St. Peter and Paul Church, St. Patrick's Church, and St. Patrick's Cemetery.