Joy Heilman

Darleen Mary Heilman, 89 died peacefully on January 5th at Cura of Le Sueur nursing home after a hospitalization in Mankato. She was born April 14, 1935, to Del and Betty (Zimmer) Salmonsen in Lake Benton, MN. Her Dad exclaimed that she was “just a bundle of Joy!” After that, she was known as Joy to all. She moved with her parents to Saint Peter and then Le Sueur, where she graduated high school in 1953. Shortly after graduation she married Edgar Heilman on August 22, 1953 and they settled in Saint Peter where they remained all of their married life. In 1955, their son Neil Gregory was born. 

Joy courageously fought colon cancer three times with her first diagnosis shortly after Neil was born. Joy worked various jobs in St Peter spending 30 years at Snyder Drug in the gift department. In her later years, she worked a “fun” job at the tax office of Marie Drantell. Joy was a member of the Saint Peter Catholic Church, active with the Ladies of Saint Peter Red Men Club and enjoyed being part of the Red Hat Society. 

Joy was a strong supporter of Heilman Racing, car number 33, following her husband Ed first and later son Neil, sewing and designing Neil’s racing jackets. Joy and Ed spent many years snowmobiling, bowling, traveling and always went “all out” on their adventures together. Joy was crafty and liked crocheting, card making, stamping and ceramics. She loved all things Thomas Kincaid and was known as the “Queen” of the Salmonsen cousins. After Ed’s passing, Joy had a special companion, Clarence Rehome, they shared their love of dancing and listening to live music.

Joy is survived by her sister in law Joan Salmonsen, many Nieces and Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews, Cousins, her “daughter from another mother”, Denise Roggow Lager and many good friends. 

Joy is preceded in death by her husband Edgar Heilman, Son Neil Heilman, parents Del and Betty Salmonsen, Father in Law and Mother In Law, Edgar and Alice Heilman and her brother Greg Salmonsen. 

Memorial Mass will be 11:00am Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Catholic Church of St. Peter, St. Peter with visitation beginning at 9:30am. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. Memorials can be directed toward a cancer organization of your choice.