HEIKES, Ralph C.

Ralph C. Heikes, 98, of Obert, died on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at Careage of Wayne in Wayne. Services will be held Friday, Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell with Vicar Chad Beckius officiating. Burial will be in the Maskell Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. To send online condolences, or to view the video tribute, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com. Ralph C. Heikes was born Dec. 18, 1913 in Dakota County, to William Chester and Edna Luanna (Joyce) Heikes. He grew up in Dakota County and then farmed in the Obert and Maskell area. He began farming with horses and saw many changes through the years. Ralph married Opal A. Nelson on Aug. 24, 1935 in Dakota City. He retired in 1980 and moved into Obert. On May 5, 2003 his wife, Opal, died at the age of 90. In 2004 Ralph moved into the Pine Lane Assisted Living in Hartington. In September 2010 he moved to Careage of Wayne. Ralph was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell. He belonged to a saddle club and enjoyed horseback riding. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great grandkids. Survivors include a son, Alan and Helen Heikes of Wayne; two daughters-in-law, Judith Heikes of Obert; and Janice Heikes of Hartington; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred Schram of Ponca and Una Johnson of Vermillion, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Opal; two sons, Stuart and Roger Heikes; two sisters, Imogene Blatchford and Faye Mitchell and two brothers, Earl and Lawrence Heikes. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph’s granddaughters, Teri Heikes, Teresa Mears, Dawn Brown, Ann Johnston and Melissa Palm. Active pallbearers will be Ralph’s grandsons, Rick, Rob, Randy, Rodney, Ryan, Dave, Daniel and Ronald Heikes. Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington is in charge of arrangements.
Posted by Brad on October 29, 2012

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