Dodge City - On the morning of Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, Gerard (Jerry) Frederick Heiland of Dodge City, Kansas died peacefully at Brookdale Senior Living in Dodge City. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday on May 12th of this year with many of his family and friends around him. Jerry was born May 12, 1933, at Windthorst, Kansas, son of Fred and Theresia Heiland.

After graduating from Windthorst High School he entered the Army and served two years for our country. In June of 1957 he married the love of his life of 63 years, Rita Stegman, daughter of John and Teresia Stegman, together Jerry and Rita raised four children.

Jerry had a successful life-long career with People's Natural Gas/PNG Companies, LLC. When he had time off from work, he would gather up the kids, the Coleman cooler and vienna sausages, and go fishing with his family at the Coon Creek Tributary off the Arkansas River or the Carmichael Hidden Valley Ranch property. He enjoyed the peacefulness of getting outdoors, maintaining his homes immaculate yard, and tending his garden of kohlrabi and cucumbers with his kids. During the 1990's he spent many nights square dancing with his wife and friends. Everyone enjoyed Jerry's company.

A devout Catholic, Jerry contributed his time and service as a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dodge City and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After retirement he spent many volunteer hours with his wife assisting the parish by stuffing bulletins and counting donations.

Beloved Father and Granddad, Jerry leaves behind his two sons, Jeff Heiland & wife Cheryl of Denver, Colorado; Loren Heiland & wife Debbie of Seabeck, Washington; two daughters, Katrina Lane & husband Scott of Omaha, Nebraska; and Julie Heiland of Austin, Texas; and 10 grandchildren: Alyssa, Kelsey & Isabel Heiland, Sterling, Arielle, Landry & Trey Mathews, David & Heather Heiland, and Mia Cooper. He is also survived by one brother Fred Heiland & wife Sue, Spearville, Kansas;  and one sister, Judy Konrade & husband Bob, Offerle, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rita, his parents, his sisters; Emogene Stevens, Mary Martinez and Monica Carmichael; and brothers; Wilfred "Bill" Heiland, Norbert Heiland, Tony Heiland, Bernard Heiland, and Sylvester Heiland.

Vigil service will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at the church on Friday June 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Matthew Kumi presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with full military honors by KSARNG Military Honors and SWKS Veteran's Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Thursday June  8, 2023 from Noon to 5:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.