Roger J. Heideman

Roger Joseph Heideman (78) beloved father, husband, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s hospital on Tuesday night January 7th surrounded by his loving family.  Roger was a lifelong resident of Jefferson, Wisconsin.  He was born on March 5th, 1946 to Alfred and Lucia Heideman.  He was the youngest of three children.

Roger took a pride in the family he created with the love of his life Pat (Thieme) Heideman. Roger and Pat were high school sweethearts who were married on October 28, 1967 and remained happily married for nearly 57 years. Together they had many laughs and accomplished many things.  Roger was especially proud of his family which includes three children,  three grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren( soon to be nine) and numerous grand dogs. 

Roger was a hard worker. He worked as a carpenter most of his life and perfected many skills as he learned his trade.  He loved to build beautiful things, including the home he raised his family in on Pinecrest Drive. He enjoyed taking his time to make sure each detail was exactly as it should be. He passed on this knowledge to his oldest son who continues his legacy by running a successful carpentry business of his own.

Roger was a farmer at heart. He loved to watch things grow, whether it was soybeans, corn, beef or pigs. He enjoyed walking the fields each spring and bringing in the harvest each Fall. He’d drop everything to take in a beautiful sunset. He enjoyed studying farming and learning new things.  In mid-life, he started a new hog business and in later life he explored solar farming.

In his free time,  Roger loved to relax with his family.  He could talk and talk and talk.  He was a great storyteller. He also enjoyed playing cards, golf, watching sports, bowling and snowmobiling.  Each summer he enjoyed family camping trips, the county fair and many cookouts.  He was honored to be chosen (with Pat) as the Gemütlichkeit King & Queen for the city of Jefferson in 1999. 

Roger’s family believe he died of a broken heart.  He coped with many difficult chronic conditions while taking care of Pat, but with her no longer by his side these conditions overwhelmed him.  They find peace knowing that Roger and Pat are reunited and no longer suffering. 

Roger is survived by his brother Lee ( Joan) Heideman, 3 children Gregg ( Sara) Heideman, Brenda ( Rich) Davison Heideman, Andrew ( Jody) Heideman; Grandchildren Lindsey ( Troy) Kjendjie, Lucas ( Alex) Heideman, Drew (Emilee) Monogue: Great grandchildren Scarlett, Brayden, Kinsley, Harper, Hazel, Declan, Phillip, Charlie, and one on the way ( May 2025); many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Roger is preceded in death by his wife Pat (10/16/24),  his parents Alfred and Lucia Heideman, his older sister Rita Wiedenfelt, brother-in-law Ronnie Wiedenfelt,  his in laws Ray and Lou Thieme, his sister-in-law Shery Becker and his great nephew Alex Becker.

 A visitation will be held on Friday January 24, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home  900 W. Racine St. Jefferson, WI. A Memorial service in Roger’s honor will be held on Saturday January 25, 2025 at 11:00am with visitation from 9:30 -11:00am at the funeral home. The family is hosting a celebration of life to honor both Roger and Pat at the VFW in Jefferson after the service.

 A donation in Roger’s honor will be made to the Future Farmers of America (FFA).