Michael Heiler

michael  heiler
Michael Heiler, (NY0MN) 64, Dilworth, MN left this world with his wife by his side on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the VA hospital after a courageous battle with COVID-19. A visitation and time of remembrance will be held from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home’s Celebration of Life Center (North Side Doors), Fargo, ND. Graveside service at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, at the Fargo National Veterans Cemetery. Michael Harvey Heiler was born May 10, 1956, to Harvey and Gloria (Stewart) Heiler in Auburn, New York. He was raised by his mother and stepfather Fred Wilt, Sr in Port Byron, NY. At 17, Mike enlisted in the army in April 1974. He served in the Army four years, then served in the Air National Guard for fifteen years. Mike was very proud of his military service and belonged to several organizations, including AMVETS club #7, and volunteered at the VA hospital. In 1987, he became a licensed ham radio operator. He always looked forward to Field Day in Sabin each June, the International Ham Fest at the International Peace Garden every July, and the PICONET get-together each year in September. Mike built life-long friendships, both in his local club and around the world, through ham radio. He religiously checked into a variety of nets throughout the week. He was a member of Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. In previous years, he shared his love of ham radio with hundreds of visitors attending WMSTR each year. In recent years, he volunteered where needed, always willing to lend a hand. Mike was united in marriage to Vicki Anderson May 30, 2015. They happily shared their hobbies together, with Vicki becoming involved with music at WMSTR and getting her ham radio license. Mike was a willing roadie as he lugged Vicki’s musical equipment around as she played and sang for veteran’s groups, nursing homes, etc. After an initial 2 year degree from a technical school, he later received a bachelor’s degree from NDSU. He didn’t find his niche until he earned a degree in electrical technology from Moorhead Technical College. He worked for a local cable company, then as a fire alarm inspector for 20+ years at Johnson Controls. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother George Wilt, sisters Tracey Wilt and Julie Woodruff. He is survived by his wife Vicki, daughter Jessie Heiler, two granddaughters; stepchildren Aaron (Samantha) Johnson, Chris (Rhiannon) Johnson, Travis (Nicole) Anderson, Ashley (Daniel) Stratton, five step grandchildren; his brother Fred Wilt, Jr, sister Bonnie (Parris) Pultz, sister-in-law Tammy Wilt; brothers- and sisters-in-law Sheldon (Tammie) Schmiess, Tim (Susan) Schmiess, Jodi (John) Gunnerson; numerous nieces and nephews; and his ham radio family (73).

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  1. So sorry to hear about Mike. He will be missed by the Ham Radio community as well as the WMSTR family.

  2. Mike, I will always remember you and the fact that our novice callsigns were close in FCC assignment order. You were a part of my ham radio network of friends since the beginning. Rest easy, my friend. Mark, KK0V.

  3. Rest in peace, Mike. I’ll never forget you explaining Pythagorean theorem to me in the cafeteria at Sanford when I happened to run into you on your lunch break.

    You are missed!

  4. Very sad to see that someone with Mike’s zip and zest for life was lost to COVID19. Thank you for your service.🇺🇸

  5. Mike helped me get my ham radio license. I will miss you my friend. I’m glad we got to talk one last time. I know I will not forget you. Until we meet again.
    Rest In Peace.

  6. RIP We appreciated Michael’s help at the AMVETS with the audio equpipment and many other acts of kindness. We will miss him.. Condolences to you Vicki and your Family during this very difficult time.
    Gary Himmerich. Past Post and State Dept. Commander of AMVETS. (State Chaplain)

  7. Mike was a mentor to me in the Amature Radio experiences i have had. I was also the one that officiated his and Vicki’s wedding.

    Im hopping that one day she’ll remember my email, so i can find this stuff out a little sooner.

    I’d like to be a pallbearer but with my back and knees what they are it won’t be possible.

  8. RIP Mike. You were one of the Pallbearers for Jerry many years ago with AmVets. I’ll always remember your kindness. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

  9. We are saddened to hear about Mike. I had a lot of good times at the Peace Garden with Mike.

    Jim ve4jim and Georgette

  10. I am so sorry. Mike was a light in my life for the short time I knew him. I loved how he and Vicky would banter back and forth. I know you will all miss his kind heart and gentle spirit. I was blessed by our friendship.

  11. Vicki, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Mike seemed so happy together. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love,

    Susie

  12. Mike our families traveled far and wide and I often wondered where you landed. For your that are there and close I am one of the many cousins. Daughter of Ed And Jan

  13. Vicki and Family, I have a very heavy heart today after learning of Mike’s passing. About 25 years ago my daughter insisted I listen to Mike’s audio dating ad through the Forum. I enjoyed his radio voice and we met for coffee. Our first date, bowling with a group of his friends from Parents Without Partners. He introduced me to many people who are still my friends today. I made Mike a surprise “Boob” cake for his birthday at a PWP get together at my house. Well, you know Mike, he got such a kick out of it and bit right in..LOL! When he posted on Facebook that he was sick and in the hospital, I couldn’t believe it, I asked if it was one of his jokes, because we all know he was usually full of them. I never expected his life would end this way and far too soon. Vicki, I could tell Mike was so in love with you and very happy. I wish I would of been able to meet up with you both and listen to you sing, as Mike so enjoyed it. Mike was the kind of guy to be there when you needed help and never expecting anything in return. Above all, Mike always carried honor, dignity and walked tall above any storm. I will miss his friendship and our silly joke bantering just to make the other one laugh. My very deepest sympathy, may God give you strength and peace. Rise high my friend and soar with the eagles. Illona Hall, Big Lake, MN

  14. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to operate with Mike the last couple of Field Days in Sabin. I enjoyed his enthusiasm that he brought.
    We will keep you in our thoughts Vicki.

    73 Vern K0VG

  15. Loosing someone is always hard especially when it is so sudden. I didn’t know Mike very well but he loved my mother and that is priceless. My thoughts and prayers are with Vicki and the rest of his family.

  16. I remember well the day that Mike and Vicki came into AMVETS. There was an aura about them that just made you smile. Like who is this cute couple? And as Mike scurried about setting things up lie a pro andVicki and company played for our Veterans and guests, Mike just made all feel so awesome. And he was so proud to be a Veteran and visited with pretty much anybody. Not shy I’m saying, but never boastful, always humble. And as the music played, he would reach out and dance with any lady that just had to dance. No questions asked. A real gentleman. He and Vicki went Lisbon Veterans Home, the VA and wherever him and Vicki could go to bring joy to our Veterans. He was a good singer too and everyone looked forward to their special songs they would sing together.
    And he loved sharing his love for his hobby, but I don’t think until I saw this video I knew just how much he also loved the people/family that came with it. AMVETS will miss him, but he will always be there spirit. Forever proud to be an American. Prayers to Vicki and their family and friends as you carry on memories that will no doubt make you cry at times, but will also make you smile and feel proud. God Bless you all.

  17. Dearest Vicki – We are going to terribly miss Mike down at the club and I hope to be seeing you down there again soon. Sending you all my thoughts and prayers – Knute

  18. Vicki; Our prayers are with you and your family for finding peace and comfort with Mike’s passing. Mike was an extremely special person and loved by all who knew him. We will miss him, but hope you don’t stay away as you are an extremely special person also.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  19. I knew Mike in High School under the Name of ” GOAT ” he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the box . . but well like d. . courageous . .and strong in spirit . . .he left school didn’t see him for a time never again but kept in check with FB . . I always respected the man . .he was my classmate , my friend . .a hero i don’t know . . but in my book . .hes a CHAMPION > > > Micheal “Goat ” Helier . . . rise above brother . . YOU GO ALL THE WAY . . .and Thank You for knowing me . . . .


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