William "Bud" Heiam

Date of Departure

Obituary

William “Bud” Heiam, 92, of Cook, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 6, 2021, at the Cook Nursing Home. A private graveside service was held at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Please join us for dad’s celebration of life Saturday, October 2, from 12:30-3:00 PM at Wild Oak Golf Course with a light lunch. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Bud attended the Cook school, graduating in 1947. He then attended UMD with his best friend and roommate, Elder Metsa and later attended pre-med at St. Olaf. He married Virginia Joan (Ginger) Geyerman on August 31, 1952. They began their married life in Mitchell, SD on a ranch/farm where they lived happily for many years. They had four children, Bobbie, Becky, Bill, and Jim. Family was the most important thing to Bud and Gin. They both loved people, loved to entertain, travel, serving their community, and living life to the fullest. Bud was a Mason, a member of the Elks and Exchange Club. He was also an active Shriner/Jester.

Bud began his second career as a golf course superintendent at the Mitchell Country Club. He loved being outdoors and using his knowledge from his years of farming. He retired after many years and became the primary caregiver for Ginger, whom we lost in 2006. He then moved back to Cook, MN where he was reunited with many old friends.

Surviving Bud are his two daughters, Bobbie (Mike) Pritchard and Becky (Larry) Barnes; son, Bill (LeAnn) Heiam; granddaughters, Tiffany (Nate) Briggs, Taryn (Matt) Erickson, Chelsi (Greg) Mickle, Jamie and Jordyn Heiam. Bud is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren, Kohen and Isaiah Briggs, Braeden and Chase Erickson, and Lillian, Oliver, and Bronwyn Mickle.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ginger, son, Jim, and sister, Barb Barriger.

Memorials may be made to the W.C. Heiam medical foundation at heiamfoundation.org. or mail to PO Box 1195, Cook, MN 55723