Name: Service for Marilyn Heinemann
Start: 2025-10-06T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-06T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Dahl Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Dahl Funeral Chapel

Marilyn Heinemann

October 6, 1936 - September 28, 2025

Marilyn Joan (Tollefson) Heinemann was born on October 6, 1936 at the former Moe Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, to parents, Alf and Nora (Nelson) Tollefson. She was baptized and confirmed at her rural Norwegian Lutheran Church, Lands Lutheran. Her elementary education was spent at a country grade school, Sundy Dist. 25, near her farm home. Before the start of the day, students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayed the Lord's Prayer.

She started high school in a "huge" new school of 200 students in Beresford, SD! Because there were no school buses, she stayed with her maternal grandparents, Olai and Anna Nelson, in Beresford. Graduation from BHS was 1954.

Following that fall, she enrolled at General Beadle State Teachers in Madison, for 2 years, which allowed her to begin teaching. Her first job was in Oldham SD, teaching 5th and 6th grade. Next, she made a move to South Sioux Elementary in Sioux Falls, SD. Her next move was to Chamberlain, SD, still teaching 6th grade.

Since she was "hunting" for a "cowboy", she and three other teachers made the big move to Billings, MT, where she taught in several elementary schools. For a couple of years, she taught in the Norwegian Community of Big Timber, MT, but Billings called her back for 9 more years.

She met Ralph Heinemann when she and a teacher friend, Marie Duganz, started attending cattle ranch sales! They were married on 3/10/1974, by Pastor Ocee Johnson and had 32 years of wonderful marriage.

Since she and Ralph were not blessed with children of their own, special nieces were Sandy and Cindy Lass, Nephews, Garth and Matt Johnson.

Preceded in death by her husband Ralph; her parents, Alf and Nor; her infant brother, John; her sisters, Connie Lass and Cindy Lass; her niece and several of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Marilyn's love for dogs was love as family, Ralph and Marilyn's beloved dogs, Boltie, Bullet, Buster, Buck, and Beau, also precede her in death.

She is survived by one sister, Naomi (Charlie) Johnson of Arlington, SD; two nephews, Garth (Angela) Johnson of Arlington, SD, and Matt Johnson of Washington State; Niece, Sandy Lass (Jim Allensworth) of California; great nieces, Harley, Sony, and Mercedes Johnson.

Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Monday October 6, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of

Dahl Funeral Chapel

www.dahlfuneralchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Billings Gazette on Oct. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Heinemann

Sponsored by Dahl Funeral Chapel - Billings.

13 Entries

Jaime Ouradnik

October 7, 2025

I met Marilyn immediately upon moving to the neighborhood. I was always out walking and she was out walking with her dog Beau. From the very first meeting, she asked what my dogs name was and what my name was and I asked hers and her dog and from that day on, we would pass by and wave and call each other by name and our dogs. I saw her sitting outside a lot towards the last couple years and always prayed for her as I went by. Stopped a few times on the driveway. So thankful to see all the wonderful neighbors in this neighborhood who live close by to her helping. I´m so thankful that she is with Jesus and not suffering. Marilyn is a good example that a genuine warm smile, friendly hello or wave and consistency in the small things, isn´t so small after all, it is a gift to all. Such an easy thing for all of us to do. Thank you for the example of Marilyn.

Blessed neighbor of Marilyn

October 7, 2025

Marilyn is as one of the most kind and loving souls I have ever met. It was such a blessing to see her walking her dog or sitting in front of her house, when I´d arrive home from work. I´ll always cherish the memories of our talks we had over the years.

Carole & Byron McBride

October 6, 2025

Marilyn & Beau were always treasures on the trails. We looked for each other and changed paths so we and our dogs could walk together. Always positive, gentle, Godly, caring, and joyful. You will not be forgotten .

Susan & Ed Hazlett & Susan Jean & Wallace Anderson

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Kirk and Rusyl Klingaman and daughters Karen and Kaycee

October 4, 2025

Dear Naomi, Charlie and Family, We are so sad to hear about Marilyn passing away. I (Rusyl) first met Marilyn in 1972 and we were teachers together at Washington School. My family has lots of wonderful memories of Marilyn and Ralph. Our girls were always so excited when they could spend the day with Marilyn and her dog. And Marilyn was so happy that I met and married a man (Kirk) from South Dakota and a farmer at that !! We hadn't visited for about 5 years because we had moved from Billings to Hamilton, Mt but we always exchanged letters and cards. She was a wonderful letter writer! We will miss her and always be thankful for her friendship. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Sincerely, Rusyl, Kirk, Karen and Kaycee

Rocky & Virginia

October 3, 2025

Marilyn never met a stranger, she was kind to everyone... I loved our walks and our talks. She loved her dog Beau and he came first no matter what! One day she asked me to go to Walmart and when I went to jump in the front seat she's said no you have to ride in the back that is Beaus seat
She loved the Lord and always talked about Him Im sure He welcomed her with open arms... We will miss her but know shes in God's hands...

Virginia Wegner

October 3, 2025

Marilyn never met a stranger, She's was an amazing kind Loving person.... I will never forget the time she asked me to ride to Walmart with her and I said yes, when I went to get into the front seat on the passenger side she said no that's where Beau rides you get in the back lol... She loved to talk politics with Rocky...
I loved walking with her and I loved our visits she always had a great listening ear and was always so kind to us. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
She loved the Lord, and talked often of Him... She definitely earned her place in heaven.
I'm sure she's having a great reunion with all of her dogs and her family,

Rachel Cox

October 3, 2025

Marilyn taught both my kids Sunday School at ALC - all the kids loved her - She would give the kids big candy bars after class!

Linda Lee Carlson

October 2, 2025

I took care of Buck and Beau for many years when Marilyn was on vacation. We were also sagebrush friends for decades. She loved her hounding so very much. We had many laughs together. I will miss her.

Nancy Niedens

October 1, 2025

Marilyn was an inspiration to us. She walked around the Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her dog Beau every day for years. As she and Beau aged, the walks got shorter with more rest stops, but she kept coming. She was always so cheerful and interested in the people in the neighborhood. We loved and admired her. George & Nancy

Martin and Judy ONeil

October 1, 2025

Marilyn was a wonderful neighbor and a great dog walker. Super laugh! She wore her faith in Jesus on her sleeve for everyone to know. There is no doubt she is with Him now.

Linda Hoyt

September 30, 2025

A lifetime of loving memories of my dear cousin, Marilyn. Her smile was so big and loved her laugh while slapping her leg! She was so loved and now in heaven with her cousin, Jan, and most important Jesus was waiting for Marilyn with open arms.

Mike & Chris

September 30, 2025

Marilyn knew all the dogs in the neighborhood by name and recognized most of the owners. She was a wonderful person and we enjoyed being among her group of sagebrush friends.

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