Ernie Heying

Ernest “Ernie” Heying, age 89 of Calmar, IA, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, at Ossian Care Center in Ossian, IA surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 Maryville St, Calmar, IA with Pastor Neil Manternach presiding. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home – French Chapel, 202 South Washington St., Calmar, IA. Also, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. on Monday morning at the church.

In lieu of flowers: donation can be made to American Legion Calmar Post 266, Winn Med Hospice, and Ossian Care Center.

Ernest Heying, age 89, of Calmar, Iowa passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 15, 1936, on a small farm near Festina, Iowa, Ernie was the fifth of thirteen children born to Joe and Rose Heying.

Ernie proudly served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1959, stationed in El Paso, Texas. On June 17, 1961, he married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kay” Frey. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three daughters. His family was his greatest joy—especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were truly the delight of his life. He especially loved the babies. Ernie spent many hours watching with much pride his grandchildren participating in their various activities such as acting in plays, singing in concerts, showing cattle, and playing sports.

In 1971, Ernie and his brother John founded Heying Manufacturing and Lumberyard, building a successful business and earning a respected place in the community. He was deeply civic-minded, giving his time generously to many causes. He sang in the St. Aloysius choir for over 40 years and served on the local volunteer fire department, the Calmar Commercial Club, and the Calmar Lions Club. In his later years, he remained active with the American Legion, proudly supporting fellow veterans.

Ernie was well known for his cowboy hat, his love of horses, and his deep enjoyment of the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, a longtime camper, and a skilled woodworker who delighted in creating projects for his family. Ernie extended his love of family to his sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews making whole hog sausage. A tireless advocate for his community, he played a vital role in bringing a swimming pool to Calmar—ensuring future generations had a safe and fun place to gather.

In quieter moments, Ernie could be found cheering on the Chicago Cubs, enjoying a whiskey and water, or playing cards with friends and family. He lived life with a full heart, a generous spirit, and a dedication to the people and places he loved.

Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Kay, and their three daughters: Lisa (Randy) Hanson, Linda Heying (Dean Manternach), and LuAnn (Mark) Wiltgen. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Kaitlin (Jake) Kempel, Jordan Hanson, Thea Manternach, Sophia Manternach (Maxim Mandel), Daron (Shawn) Omar, Michaela (Chase Lienhard) Wiltgen, Grace (Miranda Cason) Manternach, Micah Manternach and Granddaughter-in-law, Jodi Sorensen; and great-grandchildren: Faith Kempel, Charley Kempel, Eversynn Omar, Jameson Kempel, and Weston Omar. Also surviving are his siblings Doris Bouska, Lorna Bouska, Carl (Carol) Heying, Robert (Tina) Heying, Mary Ann Trewin, and Susan Heying and sister-in-law, Patricia Heying and brother-in-law, Fred Miller and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Rose Heying; his grandson, Isaac Wiltgen; father and mother-in-law Ernest and Alice Frey; and siblings and in-laws: Paul Heying, Greg and Helen Heying, Helen and Melvin Hageman, Dennis and Marion Heying, John and Louise Heying, Betty and Jim Breuss, Jim Bouska, Cletus Bouska, and Dick Trewin and Patsey Miller.

Ernie’s legacy of service, joy, and love for family and community will continue to inspire all who knew him.