Loretta Heilman

Loretta Elizabeth (Held) Heilman, was born on October 17, 1928 in Selz, North Dakota to Adam and Clara (Voeller) Held. Loretta peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Heart of America Living Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Loretta lived a full life from childhood through adulthood in Selz and Rugby. She received her education in true country fashion, attending country schools near Selz through eighth grade. Loretta met the love of her life, Joe F. Heilman and they were united in marriage on October 13, 1947 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selz. Joe and Loretta had five beautiful children, whom they raised on their family farm, 13 miles southeast of Rugby. Loretta was known as the number one farm hand and could be found out there driving trucks, milking cows, or doing just about anything that needed to get done!

In the fall of 1975, Joe and Loretta built their new home in Rugby and officially became city dwellers. After moving into Rugby, Loretta showed her independence and took her first official job working at the Haaland Home in Rugby, where she helped feed and nurture elderly patients throughout her time there. Loretta had a strong Catholic faith, helping her with trials and tribulations throughout her life, being involved in the Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters.

One of Loretta’s greatest joys and proudest achievements in life was raising her children, seeing them grow, fall in love, and start families of their own. Joe and Loretta were blessed with 14 grandchildren, who experienced the purest form of love throughout their time with them. We would be remiss not to mention her competitive spirit, which especially came out during a good game of cards and her contagious laugh that would follow when she undoubtedly won!

Loretta is survived by her five children, Donna (Al) Jundt of Rugby, Dave (Helen) Heilman of Bismarck, Duane (Jeni) Heilman of Fargo, Don (Kara) Heilman of Parker, Colorado and Deb (Randy) Westby of Bismarck; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren (with one on the way!); nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe; her parents; siblings, Edward Held, Barbara Schneibel and infant sister, Eleanor; a granddaughter and two grandsons.

Mass of Christian burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 9 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. Burial will take place in the spring at the church cemetery. Father Franklin Miller, Celebrant.

Organist: Laurie Volk Vocal leader/Cantor: Luke Schlag

Scripture Readers: Nicole Heilman, Clarissa Lundy & Joe Heilman

The Gift Bearers: Granddaughters, Pam Jundt, Nicole Heilman & Clarissa Lundy and Great Grandchildren

The Casket Bearers: Grandsons, Brad Jundt, Eric Jundt, Dean Heilman, Tim Heilman, Tom Heilman, Joe Heilman, Nick Heilman and Ryan Westby

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, March 14, 2026.