Obituary of Don Heimes

To view the livestream of Don's funeral mass click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/yPmjn

Don Heimes, 82, of Yankton, passed away Friday November 22, 2024, at his residence in Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am, Wednesday November 27, 2024, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday November 26, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 Wake Service at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Burial with military rites will be May 18, 2025, at the Sigel Cemetery in rural Utica. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Livestreaming of Don’s funeral mass may be viewed at: https://server.attend.live/static/event/yPmjn.

Don was born on May 18, 1942, to Gilbert (Gib) and Verena Heimes.  He was the oldest of 12 children.  He is survived by 9 siblings: Janet Jensen, Sharyl Falk, Darrel Heimes, Eileen Branson, Leah Bartz, Rolly Heimes, Billy Heimes, and Patty Paquette. 

He was in the US Marine corp. serving in Vietnam, returning to Yankton after being injured during his 2^nd tour.  He married JoAnn in 1963, having 5 children: Donna Shutt, Kimberly Medrano, Lisa Weipen, Traci Sonichsen and Richard Heimes. 

Don met Vi (Viola) in Yankton on May 31,1985.  They traveled to California and returned to Yankton in 1990.  They were together for 8 years prior to getting married on October 3, 1992.  With their marriage, Donavan and Dallas Hamilton joined the family and became Don’s stepsons.  Sadly, they lost Dallas on 10/03/2009.

Don remained in Yankton ever since.  He always enjoyed doing house projects and yard work; and he loved spending time with his family and friends.  He became very close with the entire Cowels family who were very supportive and connected to Don and Vi over the years.  Owen and Wendy have also been a tremendous help, especially during Don’s illness.

Don is survived by his Wife Vi (Viola) and 6 children:  Donna Shutt, Kimberly Medrano, Lisa Weipen, Traci Sonichsen, Richard Heimes and Donavan Hamilton.

Don is also survived by 16 Grandchildren: Jacob Weipen, Justus McShannon, Tristin Miles, Amanda Fields, Josh Carter, Chelsea Phillips, Matthew Heimes, Anna Weipen, Austin Maurer, Alex Fields, Abbey Kustak, Ben Sonichsen, Adain Heimes, Mickayla Hanzlik, Merissa Stitz; and 15 great grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, 2 children--Dallas Hamilton and Holly Daugerty, by brothers Richard Heimes Kenny Heimes, and sister, Rose Heimes.