Ruth Ellen Heilig

Ruth E. Heilig, age 73 of Elk Horn, Iowa, died at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Ruth was born on October 31, 1952, to Walter and Lillie Sievers of Atlantic, Iowa. Ruth attended country school and later Pymosa school outside of Atlantic, Iowa. She graduated from Atlantic High School Class of 1970.

Ruth married Daniel Dean Heilig of Harlan, Iowa at the Exira Lutheran Church on November 10,1973. Ruth ran home daycare in Elk Horn for 40 years. Ruth loved to watch her favorite sports teams, the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Creighton men's basketball. She also enjoyed watching tennis and the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament every year. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family, playing games, and tending to her garden. She also loved to crochet and sew gifts for family and friends.

Ruth attended church at First Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa. She was involved with Vacation Bible School and leading a women's Bible study on Sunday mornings. She cherished all the friendships she made over the years. Ruth was known for her compassion, generous heart, and strong faith in Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Heilig of Elk Horn, Iowa; daughter Carrie Heilig of Fremont, Nebraska; her son and daughter in law, Brian and Nicole Heilig of Wauconda, Illinois; and brother Chuck Sievers of Atlantic, Iowa.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Lillie Sievers, sister-in-law Jackie Sievers, and brother-in-law Terry Heilig.


Funeral Services will be held at 11 am, Monday, February 2, 2026 at the First Church of Christ in Atlantic, IA with Rev. Dan Hudson officiating with burial to follow at the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic. Visitation with the family present will be from 10 am till the time of services at the church. A reception will follow the committal service at the church.

Memorials can be made in her name and will be designated at a later date. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for the Heilig family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com