Joseph Edward Heim, 74, of Dawson, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. He was born on September 9, 1950, in Falls City, Nebraska. Joe grew up in Dawson and graduated from Dawson-Verdon High School in 1968. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees from February 20, 1970, to August 19, 1972.
On April 20, 1974, Joe married the love of his life, Michelle (Koch), and together they built a beautiful family. Joe was a devoted father to Joe Jr., married to Ketti, and Jessie, married to Rob, and a proud Papa to Joe III, Sophie, Eddie, and Carter. Joe found great joy in being present for his grandchildren’s activities, from baseball games to theater performances, always cheering them on with pride.
Joe worked on the family dairy farm with his parents, Lowell and Violet Heim, until 1993. After the farm, he transitioned to serving as a postal carrier in Sabetha, Kansas, a role he held until his retirement in 2015.
Retirement didn’t slow Joe down. He could often be found chopping wood, enjoying his morning coffee and breakfast with the local farmers, or hitting the road on RV and motorcycle trips with Michelle and Larry. A true Harley Davidson enthusiast and dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan, Joe loved the thrill of the open road and the excitement of the ballgame.
Joe was known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and always having a good joke ready to share. He was fond of saying he was “peachy,” a sentiment that perfectly captured his optimistic and lighthearted approach to life.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Edward and Violet Katherine (Kottich) Heim. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Michelle; his son Joe Jr. and wife Ketti; his daughter Jessie and husband Rob; and his grandchildren, Joe III, Sophie, Eddie, and Carter. Joe is also survived by his brother Charlie, his sister Ann and husband Ben, his brothers-in-law Jim Koch, Larry Koch, and Rick Koch and wife Kathie, as well as his sisters-in-law Annette Bausch and husband Larry, and Jean Brightup and husband Joe. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will dearly miss him.
A Rosary will be held in Joe’s honor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. after which the family will receive visitors at Parish Hall. A Funeral Mass will follow on October 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Anthony Bedient officiating. Inurnment will immediately follow mass at the Heim Cemetery in Dawson with full military honors conducted by the Nebraska Naval Funeral Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Mary’s Refurbishment Fund, Pennsylvania Colony, or Heim Cemetery. Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary -207 N Nemaha St-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915
