Eileen E. "Adler" Heerdink

Eileen E. (Adler) Heerdink, age 81, of Evansville, Indiana departed this earthly life on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Heritage Center.

She was born May 13th, 1944 to the late Urban Adler and Marian (Elpers) Adler and was the third oldest of 10 children. Eileen was a faithful Catholic and a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1962. Eileen married the love of her life, John F. Heerdink, Sr. on May 2, 1964. Eileen was a homemaker and enjoyed baking, gardening, being outdoors, and attending her grandchildren's activities. Her chocolate chip cookies were famous and her pies were second to none. She taught many children about the little joys in life such as catching frogs and lightning bugs, playing pretend, telling stories, going for walks, and why the number 13 is actually lucky. Eileen especially cherished her time spent babysitting her niece and nephews: Sara, Neil, Kyle, and Ryan. Few things in life brought her greater joy than having her children and grandchildren around.

Eileen is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, John Heerdink, Sr.; son, John Heerdink, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Mary Folz and her husband, Donnie, of Evansville, IN; step-son, Terry Heerdink of Evansville, IN; six grandchildren, Lacie Folz-Hodges (DJ) of Summersville, KY, Nathan Folz, Nicholas Folz, and Paul Folz of Evansville, IN, and Krider Heerdink and Hadley Heerdink of San Francisco, CA; two step grandchildren, Timothy Heerdink (Amber) and Jeffrey Heerdink (José); four sisters; four brothers; two step-grandchildren with one more on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Geraldine Weber; beloved cousin, Elvira Herr; and step daughter-in-law, Tammy Heerdink.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:30 am on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 5301 Daylight Dr., Evansville, IN 47725, with Fr. Chris Forler celebrating. Burial will follow at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery in Haubstadt, IN.

Friends and loved ones may visit from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711. Friends are invited to join the family for a rosary service prior to the visitation at 3:30 pm. Visitation will also be held from 8:30 am until mass time on Wednesday at the church.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Heritage Center, especially Eileen's niece, Kenya Shoultz, for their compassionate care. The family would like to also thank Eileen's nephew, Mark Heerdink, and his wife, Janet, for their love and care for Eileen.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 2101, Evansville, IN 47728.

Eileen's joyful, loving presence will be missed by all who knew her, especially her family.

Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.