Richard “Dick” Heiden
Richard “Dick” Heiden, 83, of rural Elkader died suddenly Saturday, March 17, 2018, at his farm home. He was born August 10, 1934, in Prairie du Chien, WI to Fred Jr. and Irma (Stemmer) Heiden. He graduated from Elkader High School in 1953 where he was involved in sports. His love of baseball from a child on inspired him to try out for pro ball in Florida. His aspirations for a baseball career were cut short by a truck/train crash.
On April 29, 1966, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Baumgartner. They resided in Cedar Rapids where Dick worked as an over the road semi-truck driver for Kraus Manufacturing in Cedar Rapids. He made many friends during his spare time enjoying modified stock car racing in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and the surrounding area. In 1973 they purchased the farm east of Elkader where his grandfather had lived. In 2000 they put up a new house on the farm where he was raised.
Dick was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and just working on the farm. He enjoyed barbequing for the family, friend and big events on his homemade cooker built by a friend. Dick loved entertaining at the Heiden Bar where many stories were shared. His recollection of his life experiences growing up and his truck driving stories were certainly entertaining.
He survived by his wife Mary Ann; daughter Peggy Heiden of Decorah, Michael Heiden of Elkader, and grandson Ryan Ritchie of Las Vegas, Nevada, and numerous relatives and friends.
