In Loving Memory of John Heilman

John Henry Heilman, 89, of Redding, California, passed away on February 18, 2026, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday.

Born in Dickinson, North Dakota, John was raised on hard work, riding to school in a horse-drawn cart and helping operate the family dairy from a young age. He later moved to California with his beloved wife, Margaret, and their growing family to pursue new opportunities. Starting with a small five-acre property, John worked tirelessly in construction and later became a certified school inspector, ensuring safety and quality for communities across California.

John and Margaret eventually settled on 40 acres in Denair, where they raised their five children with strong values rooted in respect, responsibility, and perseverance. Known as a lifelong fixer and builder, John combined ingenuity with devotion when he designed a modular pastel box system to protect Margaret’s art supplies. That act of love became Heilman Designs, a successful family business now carried forward by the next generation.

He enjoyed farming, woodworking, photography, and target shooting, and was known for holding high standards while never hesitating to acknowledge a job well done.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, in November 2025 after 67 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Therese, Theodore, Larry, Johnny, and Patrick, as well as 13 grandchildren.