Susan Kay Heilman

Susan Kay Heilman, 79, passed away at her home in Albert Lea, MN on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She was born to her loving parents Carl and Olive Swanson on June 4, 1946 and was the youngest of 4 daughters. Sue was a lifetime resident of Albert Lea, and a graduate of the Albert Lea High School Class of 1964.

Sue met and married the love of her life, Barry L. Heilman, and happily they celebrated their 53rd Wedding Anniversary on February 12, 2025. Together they raised three children, Lisa, Scott, and Josh.

For many years Sue worked outside the home but her greatest joy and accomplishment beyond her family was being a homemaker and tending her flower gardens. Her hands were rarely still as she used her incredible sewing, baking, clay sculpture, and designing talents to brighten someone’s day. She was an avid antique collector and loved and appreciated the history, beauty, and value of her collections. Sue was known for her kind heart and love of animals, particularly her current dogs, Piper, her Scottish Terrier, and her Chihuahua-Terrier mix, Chloe.

Sue will be forever remembered for her beautiful soul, warmth, generosity, strength and her priceless sense of humor. She dedicated her life to her family and friends, always there with a listening ear, and a warm embrace. She was a woman of unwavering faith that gave her strength and courage throughout her life.

Sue is survived by her loving husband Barry Heilman, her three children Lisa (Don) Myran, Scott (Kim) Heilman, Josh Heilman (Paige Shaw), Albert Lea, MN. Brother-in-law Bill (Cathy) Heilman, Spring Hill, KS. 8 Grandchildren: Matt (Teresa) Dugstad, Tony Dugstad, AJ (Jenna) Dugstad, Rylie Heilman, Samantha (Matt) Kroeger, Aspen Heilman, Emily Heilman, and Jaxon Heilman. Along with her Great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, special friends Judy Hill and Kathie Herrington, along with countless others she held dear.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Olive Swanson, In-laws Lyle Heilman, and Lorraine and Don Provo, sister, Betty Lou Schillberg and twin sisters Marilyn (Jim) Srsen, and Marianne (Richard) Lees.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from noon-2 at the West Edgewater Bay Pavillion in Albert Lea, MN.