Clarence G. Heilman
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Clarence G. Heilman, age 90 of Rapid City, SD died Monday September 23, 2019 in the Brain and Spine ICU at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Sunday September 29, 2019 with a Christian Wake service starting at 6:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City, SD. Following the Wake service, there will an opportunity for family and friends to share a fond memory of Clarence. There will be a Christian Mass beginning at 10:00 AM Monday September 30, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.
Clarence, son to Anton and Magdelina (Gabriel) Heilman, was born in Bowdle, SD on June 7, 1929. He was one of five children. He graduated from Roscoe High School in Roscoe, SD. After he moved to Aberdeen, SD he married the love of his life, Joan Brendel, and they raised two daughters. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-1953.
Clarence started working for the Coca-Cola Bottling Co in Aberdeen, SD in 1953. In 1987 he moved to Rapid City, SD and began working for Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country. There, he became part of the Coca-Cola High Country family and later affectionately became known as "The Coca-Cola Legend". Clarence enjoyed hunting, fishing, and anything that had to do with spending time with his family and friends. He was a member and an active participant in several organizations including The VFW, The American Legion, The Elks, and The Moose Lodge.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan VanNorton (Doug) of Rapid City, SD, Dawn Portka (Alan) of Seattle, WA; three grandchildren, Chris VanNorton (Jessica) of Rapid City, SD, Sammi Jo Wetch (Rich) of Rapid City, SD, and Amber Westbrook (John) of Seattle, WA; three great-grandchildren, Payton Wetch, Dominic VanNorton, and Landon Wetch; one sister, Florence Lehr of Aberdeen, SD; and several nieces and nephews
Proceeding Clarence in death are his wife, Joan Heilman; his parents, Anton and Magdelina Heilman; brothers (Christ and Floyd Heilman); sister, Lenora Malsam; and several brother and sister-in laws.
A memorial has been established to the Rushmore VFW Post 1273.
Friends may sign his online guestbook at www.osheimschmidt.com.