Judy Heimerman

Judith Anne “Judy” Heimerman, the oldest daughter of Charles and Marjorie “Jean” (Moats) Gilmore, was born on October 7, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Judy graduated from Mondamin (Iowa) High School in 1960, and attended Barnes School of Beauty Culture in Council Bluffs, graduating on July 22, 1961. She worked in Lake City, IA, and Missouri Valley, IA, for several years.

On April 1, 1967, Judy married Robert John Heimerman in Onawa, IA. In addition to being a devoted housewife and homemaker, Judy operated Judy’s Beauty Land in the couple’s country home located south of Defiance, IA, for nearly 20 years. The couple moved to Harlan, IA where she provided hair care services for area nursing home residents and for the funeral home until her retirement in 2013. She became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan in August 2020.

Judy was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Her passion for cooking and baking, particularly her specialty of making delicious meringue pies, brought joy to not only her beloved husband Robert but to all her family and friends. Her culinary talents were truly a reflection of the care and dedication she poured into everything she did.

Judy led a life filled with joy and love for square dancing with her husband Robert. They shared a passion for listening to classic country music and cheered together for the Iowa State athletics teams. She will be remembered for her love of gardening and crafting, particularly ceramics. She found great joy in collecting Christmas decorations that would light up the season for her family and friends, making Christmas gatherings especially meaningful. Her heart was always warmed by the presence of dogs, with a special fondness for her Airedale Terriers.

Judy died on July 19, 2024, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan. She had reached the age of 82 years, nine months, and 12 days. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Heimerman, on October 20, 2020; and one brother, Charles Gilmore, Jr. She is survived by two sons, Roger Heimerman of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Randy Heimerman of Ankeny, IA; two sisters, Janis (Richard) Michalski of Valley, NE, and Charlene Brittain of Omaha, NE; three grandchildren, Ben, Lauren, and Libby Heimerman, all of Ankeny, IA; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. A Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, also at the church. Inurnment will take place in the Harlan Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.