Donald Lee Heidemann
November 10, 1971 – May 13, 2025
Donald Lee Heidemann, age 53, of Forest City, Iowa, died May 13th in his home after a struggle with mental illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, generosity, and deep devotion to his family, faith, and community.
Don was born on November 10, 1971, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Robert (Bob) and Judy Heidemann, and grew up on the family dairy farm near Neillsville, Wisconsin, with his sister Lynette and brother Duane. Don learned early the values of hard work, humility, responsibility, integrity and perseverance—lessons that shaped his character and guided him throughout his life.
A proud graduate of Wartburg College (Class of 1994), Don earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance. He was honored to play football for the Knights for four years. It was at Wartburg where he met the love of his life, Kristin (Drackley) Heidemann, during their freshman year. They were married on October 14, 1995, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year.
Together, Don and Kristin built a joyful life, raising two amazing sons, Andrew (23) and Will (21), of whom he was endlessly proud. Their journey took them to several places — Dallas (Lewisville), Texas; Minneapolis (Victoria), Minnesota; and ultimately Forest City, Iowa, where they lived the longest and found deep friendships and love for the community.
Don began his professional journey in nonprofit fundraising, later transitioning into a successful career in finance. His roles included leadership positions at Rent-A-Center, Select Comfort, Winnebago Industries, Stellar Industries, and most recently as CFO of Norplex-Micarta.
Don found his greatest joy on the golf course, especially when sharing the game with his family and close friends. He was happiest outdoors — mowing and creating a perfectly manicured lawn, watching birds, and most of all walking with his beloved dog, Sugar. Don’s passion for sports ran deep — he was a lifelong fan of the Packers and Badgers, an enthusiastic sports talk and podcast listener, and never missed a chance to cheer from the sidelines at his sons’ events. He also gave back by coaching youth sports, including Andy’s grade school basketball team. His competitive nature shone through in “friendly” card games with friends and family, and he took pride in perfecting his famous dishes of deep-dish and thin-crust pizza and crepes for his family.
Above all, he was a man of great faith. He and Kristin were youth group leaders and active members at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound, Texas, a church home they loved dearly. He found comfort in the services at Pilot Knob Lutheran Church in Forest City.
Don deeply valued education and was incredibly proud of Andy graduating from Texas Tech and Will studying at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He served his community generously — through the Forest City Education Foundation, Bear Creek Golf Course and Rotary.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Kristin, sons Andrew and Will, parents Bob and Judy, siblings Lynette and Duane (Laura), in-laws Richard and Linda Drackley, sister-in-law Jordan (Drackley) Hansen and her husband Blake, and cherished nieces and nephews: Tristen, Natalie, Ben, Reese, and Beckett. He is also remembered fondly by many extended family members and close friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lyman and Willetta Heidemann and Beryl and Evelyn McDaniel.
To know Don was to feel welcomed, to laugh, and to be loved. His quick wit, unmistakable laugh, and generosity made an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed and lovingly remembered.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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