After a life of love and quiet grace, Gary Lynn Heideman of Seneca, KS has passed.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
Gary held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some find their compass in faith. Gary was among them.
Gary Lynn Heideman, 68, of Corning passed away at Onaga Community Hospital on May 4th, 2026 after a long battle with cancer.
Gary was born on May 27th, 1957 to Gerald and Alice (Mahoney) Heideman of Corning. Gary was the 5th born of 11 children to the Heideman's. He attended St. Patrick's Catholic Elementary School and Graduated from Centralia High School in 1975. Upon graduation Gary worked on the family Grade A Dairy Farm. He and his brother Mark Heideman purchased the dairy from their parents. Together, the two ran the dairy and row crop operation until 1996. He worked as a dealer and pit boss at Sac and Fox Casino for 6 years before he began work at American Wholesale Lumber where he eventually became owner and operator.
On July 26, 1986 Gary married Phyllis (Fraundorfer) at St. Patrick's church in Corning. Together, they rooted their family outside of Corning where they raised their children and farmed.
Gary was active in the Corning community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the St. Patrick's Parish Council and the Financial Council. He was a member of the Corning Fire Department and served as Chief from 1982 to 1985.
Farming was Gary's passion. After stepping back from the dairy farm, he continued a small row crop operation. If you met him once, you recognized his laugh forever. His sharp mind and wit were quick to draw a smile and calculate any equation. Gary loved to play cards and was fiercely competitive.
Gary lived by the belief that God helps those who help themselves. Whether he was fixing machinery on the farm or tackling a project at home, he was always solving problems. He loved learning new things, especially when it came to cooking, and was known for sharing his smoked meats and gumbo with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Gerald, his brothers Ken and Mark, and his step-son Jessee Capp.
Gary is survived by his mother, Alice of Seneca; his wife, Phyllis of Corning; his children, Andrew (Emily) Heideman of Seneca, Beth (Jacob) Taylor of Seneca, Bonnie (James) Boatwright of Mesilla, New Mexico; his daughter-in-law, Jessica Capp of Marysville; 14 grandchildren; his brothers, Ron (Teresa) Heideman, Keith (Lana) Heideman, Craig (Deb) Heideman, Chris Heideman, and Dennis (Janet); his sisters, Carol (Tim) Sack, Deb (Keith) Hermesch, and Marcia (Bob) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
A rosary will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7 P.M. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Friday, May 8, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning. The burial will be in the church cemetery in Corning.
Memorials can be given in Gary's memory are to be designated at a later date, and sent in care of the family.
Lauer Funeral Home is family-owned and operated, serving all faiths in northeast Kansas since 1901. Our mission and dedication is to create a service that is both individual and meaningful for the families we serve. Be certain that in your time of deepest need you can rely on our continued dedication to tradition, respect and understanding. We recognize that funeral service is a calling with great responsibilities, demanding the highest professional standards. This trust and confidence makes us both proud and humble.
