Emil Heieren, 86, died on Monday, January 22, 2007 at his home in rural Thief River Falls, MN.


Funeral service will be 1 PM, Friday, January 26, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend John Voelker officiating. Burial will be on 1:00 PM, Friday, February 2, 2007 at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 5 " 8 PM, Thursday, January 25, 2007 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to service at the church, Friday.

Emil Clifford Heieren was born May 4, 1920 in Silverton Township, rural Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Edward O. and Clara (Fosholm) Heieren. He was baptized and confirmed at Silverton Lutheran Church. He attended country school and in 1940, Emil graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. In 1941, he entered the United States Army and served his country for 3 ½ years as a cook, of which, 2 ½ years were spent in the Aleutian Islands. After receiving his honorable discharge, Emil returned to Thief River Falls. Emil worked at the Hartz bakery, prior to the post office. He retired in 1980 after 32 years with the post office.

On June 21, 1948, Emil was united in marriage to Audrey Ann Kelley at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. The couple built a home in Thief River Falls on 8th street and then a second home was built on Spruce Avenue in Thief River Falls. In 1976 they moved to their third home, a hobby farm on the river where they continued to reside.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as trustee at one time. He was an active member of his church and helped with fall dinners and lutefisk suppers. Emil was a member of the DAV, and a former member of the American Legion. Baking was his hobby and he enjoyed making lefse, gardening, carpentry and playing the harmonica and piano.

Emil is survived by wife Audrey, Thief River Falls, MN; 5 children: Faith Langseth, Pine City, MN, Rebecca Heieren, Maple Grove, MN, Daniel (Iris) Heieren, Hudson, WI, Emily Meyer, Moorhead, MN and David (Robin) Heieren, Stillwater, MN; 6 grandchildren: Guy Luxenburg, Tara Buckbee, Jessica Loftus, Danielle Meyer, Sadie Heieren and Finn Heieren; 3 great grand children: Jordan Buckbee, Allanah Luxenburg and Ann Swanson; sister, R. Janet Heieren, Thief River Falls, MN.

He is preceded in death by parents; brother Orville and sister A. Kathryn Peterson.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: LeRoy Aasland
SELECTIONS: Borning Cry and The Lords Prayer
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace, On Eagles Wings and What a Friend We Have In Jesus