Philip Jerome Heymans

1933 - 2019

Philip Jerome Heymans 86, of Sleepy Eye died on May 15, 2019, at Mother of Mercy in Albany. Visitation will be on Friday, May 24, from 12 to 2 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, on Friday, May 24, at 2 pm with Msgr. John Richter will officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. A reception will be held in the Social Room following the interment. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. On line condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Mary's School or Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye.
Philip Heymans was born in Sleepy Eye, to Martin and Veronica (Jungers) Heymans on March 18, 1933. He graduated from St. John's University in Collegeville, in 1955. He married Elizabeth 'Betty' Mandell on Aug. 20, 1956. He partnered with his father, Martin, in the wholesale hardware business and later Ariens Power Equipment. For many years Phil enjoyed hunting, sailing, and was passionate about aviation. He began flying lessons at age 14 and acquired his pilot license when he was 16. He enjoyed watching a variety of sports and was an avid fan of Notre Dame and St. John's University football. Phil appreciated the aesthetics of modern architecture which was evident in his house he helped build. He was a very supportive father to his eight children. He went above and beyond to help his family and friends with house repairs and building projects. He served on many local committees, the school board, and was well-versed in politics and business. Phil was known by this family and friends to have a funny, dry sense of humor with quick-witted one-liners. He valued family and faith above all else.
He is survived by his sister, Frances Heymans; his children: Steven (Susan Sink), Amy (Kevin) Kluesner, Ann (Larry) Rodich, Greg (Mary), Tim (Annie), Mark (Yoneko), Maria (Paul) Heymans-Becker, and Christina (Mark Herzog) Heymans-Arneson; 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Phil is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his brother, Robert, and parents Martin and Veronica. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Mother of Mercy Senior Living in Albany, MN, for their loving physical and spiritual care and special efforts at the end of Phil's life.