With full hearts and endless love, we celebrate the incredible life of Sharon Ann Heiling, who passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 23 at the church and will continue one hour before the Funeral Mass. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on October 4, 1936 to Leo and Leona (Hammerschmidt) Woelfel, Sharon was the heart of our family — strong, caring, and endlessly loving. She and her late husband, Eugene Heiling, built a beautiful life together and raised eleven children: Charlene Frank (John), Linda Haak (Tom), Rhonda DeMuth (Dan), Arlene Stenftenagel, Jeff Heiling (Mary), David Heiling (Tami), Dan Heiling (Lorri), Duane Heiling (Cindy), Jim Heiling (Lisa), Scott Heiling (Tammy), and Chad Heiling (Stacey). Life on the farm was always busy, yet Sharon made it look effortless. With her incredible work ethic, sense of humor, and warm heart, she created a home filled with laughter, good food, and love. No matter how many people filled the house — and it was always full — she made everyone feel welcome. Her kitchen table was the heart of family life, where stories were shared, problems were solved, and laughter was never far away. More than anything, Sharon loved being surrounded by her family — seeing everyone together, enjoying life and one another’s company. Her hugs, gentle wisdom, and caring presence will be forever remembered. Sharon taught us the importance of family, laughter, and sticking together through everything. Most importantly, she had an unshakable faith in God and Jesus. Though she will be deeply missed, we know she’ll always be with us — in our stories, our traditions, and our hearts.
Sharon’s legacy of love reaches far and wide: 33 grandchildren and 28 of their spouses; 57 great-grandchildren and 5 of their spouses; 2 great-great-grandchildren. That’s 144 loved ones, each blessed to have known her steady love and kindness. She is also survived by her five sisters — Lanay Frericks, Lorna Bliss, Judi Welch, Eudean Jenniges, and Mary Anderson — and is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Leona Woelfel, her husband Eugene, and two sisters Bonnie Skoblik and Marilyn Frericks.
