Richard “Dickie” Heim Obituary

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Richard "Dickie" Eugene Heim, 78, of St. Marys, Kansas, who left this world suddenly on September 8, 2025. A father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Dickie will be remembered for his humor, his resilience, and the way he always showed up-whether it was for a Saturday drive, a birthday, or simply to lend a hand.

Born and raised in St. Marys, Dickie graduated from St. Marys High School in 1964 and went on to work at Good Year and Allis Chalmers. He later returned home to take over the family hog farm-a legacy begun by his parents, William Eugene and Teresa Bernice DeWendt Heim. For Dickie, farming was more than a job-it was a way of life. He spent his life working on the farm he loved, surrounded by nature, and creating lasting beauty with his hands as a gifted woodworker.

Dickie was a man of humble talent and generous spirit. His woodworking was nothing short of extraordinary-his hands crafted cedar chests, china cabinets, tables, clocks, and countless other treasures that continue to grace the homes of family and friends.

He found joy in the simplicity of life: long drives through the countryside, telling stories, and surprising his children with unexpected grocery store hauls, often featuring steaks, French fries, and candy bars. This beloved tradition continued with his grandchildren, who could always count on finding 7-Up and Hershey's miniature chocolate bars in his icebox. At Christmas time, his signature gift was a classic box of Queen Anne's chocolate-covered cherries, his own sweet tradition.

And when a new grandchild or great-grandchild was on the way, he could hardly wait. Dickie almost always had a bike picked out before the baby was even born. His excitement was pure, overflowing, impossible to miss. That was Papa Heim: thoughtful, eager, and always one step ahead in showing his love.

Dickie was the kind of man who didn't need to speak loudly to be heard. His life spoke for him -in how he loved, how he gave, and how he stayed true to who he was. He was gentle, quietly funny, and deeply generous. His greatest role-and the one he cherished most-was being"Papa Heim" - a title he held with pride and lived out with immeasurable love. He loved with his whole heart and lived for the joy and laughter of his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Paula Bryan (Perry) and Mary Ann Schindler; his sisters, Ardene (the late Bill) Dickerson and Judy (Kent) Francis; grandchildren Christine (Cody), Cecilia (Blake), Jacob (Patricia), Madeline (Luke), Mariah (Jonathan), Matthew, Peter, and Lily; and great-grandchildren Jaycee, Lyndie, Colson, Liam, Cora, Pace, Riggin, and Braycen. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Eugene and Teresa Bernice DeWendt Heim, and his beloved son, Eugene Henry DeWendt Heim.

In his memory, the family encourages you to take a country drive, share a treat, or surprise someone you love-just as Dickie always did.

A memorial visitation will be held at Piper Funeral Home on Monday, September 29 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM with a rosary following at 7:00 PM. The immediate family will hold a private service on Tuesday, September, 30 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys, KS.