Howard Heidelberger passed away peacefully October 10th at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD after his courageous 9+ year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer with family present one hour prior to greet guests.
Howard was born July 22, 1946, in Britton, SD. He was raised in Madison, SD with his 5 brothers and 1 sister, making for an adventurous childhood. He graduated high school at St. Peter, MN in 1964. He studied Biology and Math at Dakota State University. There he met the love of his life, Beverly Hodne. They united in marriage August 12, 1967. They began teaching in Brewster, MN. With frequent blizzards, Howard took up knitting and made a sweater for his future baby boy.
In 1969, Howard was drafted into the U.S. Army as a Preventive Medical Specialist and stationed in Texas. He then spent the following 13 years teaching at Spencer High School. Howard established “Howard’s Repair and Service,” offering painting, roofing, carpentry and truck driving during the summer. Howard then transitioned to a successful 20+ year career as a Financial Associate for AAL/Thrivent.
On May 31, 1998, a tornado devastated Spencer, SD, including Howard and Beverly’s home. Choosing to rebuild, they and Trinity Lutheran parishioners built a new garage, providing a temporary worship location. Beverly worked with the State of SD Forestry Dept to replant trees. Howard was right there by her side helping water young trees. Spencer won a National Arbor Day Celebration Award.
Howard’s hobbies included many outdoor activities. He trapped muskrat, fished only on days that ended with “y,” and hunted. In retirement, he got further into woodworking. He crafted birdhouses, pinecone Christmas trees, and small picnic tables. He also enjoyed watching birds outside of the window of their home. He enjoyed having coffee with the townsfolk. One may say Howard retired right.
Howard’s family will remember him not by Parkinson’s, but rather his dad jokes, silly made-up songs, his love for cookies and ice cream, his big toothy smile, and his genuine care and interest in others.
Left to cherish Howard’s memory are his beloved wife, Beverly (Hodne) Heidelberger; his children, Holly (Don) Hodge, Aaron (Liza) Heidelberger, and Jessica (Shane) Lillebo; his grandchildren, Sydney Lillebo, Sophie Hodge, Celia Hodge, Cole Heidelberger, and Kayla Heidelberger; as well as a large community of extended family, neighbors, and lifelong friends.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter; his cherished granddaughter, Shelby; his brothers, Walter, Leslie, and Gary; and his sister-in-law, Charlette.
He is remembered as a hard-worker, supportive father, quick-witted grandpa, and a loving husband.
