Ricky Allyn Heideman, the youngest of three children of Harlan and June (Keim) Heideman, was born September, 11, 1962 in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm near Elk Creek. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church where he also attended parochial school before graduating from Elk Creek High School in 1980. Ricky and his former wife Jane Baird had two daughters, Kristen and Emily. As a young man he helped on the farm, worked at the elevator, and even drilled for gold in Alaska. He spent over 20 years as an arborist with the tree service in Indiana, Oklahoma, and southeast Nebraska. In recent years he worked for Husqvarna in Beatrice, Nebraska, and also in South Carolina. When that plant closed, he took a job in Marysville, Kansas, with the Landoll Corporation.

Ricky enjoyed everything from hunting and fishing to golfing, mud drags, and stock car races. He also had a special interest in woodworking. Spending time with family and friends was important, especially time with his children and granddaughter. This past January Ricky began doctoring for an illness that was diagnosed in May. The rare blood disorder severely damaged his heart. He was able to attend a benefit in his honor two days before he entered the hospital. He died on August 3, 2012 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha with his family by his side.

He is survived by his daughters, Kristen Heideman and Emily Heideman, his parents Harlan and June Heideman, his sister Tami Nielsen and husband Rolly, granddaughter, Caitlynne, nephews Jason Nielsen and friend Sonia and Kellen Heideman, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Ricky was preceded in death by his brother Robert “Bob”, grandparents Ernest and Esther Heideman and Louis and Lucille Keim, and his uncle Mike Keim.

Funeral services will be held at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska at 10:30 o’clock Tuesday, September 4, 2012 with Reverend Robert Schermbeck officiating.

Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska on Monday, September 3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may go to the family’s choice.

Interment will be in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.