Rodney Dale Heilig

Rodney Dale Heilig, 64, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Wednesday, August 9, 2017, surrounded by his family at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Rodney was born December 30, 1952, in Maquoketa to Marvin “Mike” and Eva (Edleman) Heilig. After he graduated from Lost Nation High School Rodney attended Scott Community College and later graduated from Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston, Iowa. Among many other occupations, Rodney most notably served as a Deputy for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department from 1973-1980, he retired as Sergeant of the DeWitt Police Department, serving from 1981-2000, and worked as an EMT for Genesis-DeWitt Hospital from 1984-2006. He was previously married to Christine Minor, the mother of his two children. Rodney married Merlene Jackson on September 7, 1996, at Olde St. Ann’s Church, Scott County Park.

Rodney was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Calamus, and the Iowa State National Police Association. He enjoyed NASCAR (Ford Power!), fishing, traveling (especially to Hawaii), gardening, driving truck, working on vehicles, and spending time with his family, friends, and dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Merlene; children Matthew (Samantha) Heilig of Long Grove; Rachel (Shea) Smith of Bennett; grandchildren, Avery and Ashton Heilig, and Harper Smith; his mother, Eva Heilig of DeWitt; brothers, Ronald (Lana) and Roger (Carol); a sister, Robin (Doug) Hansen; nieces and nephews; and special friend, Gene Schmidt of Lost Nation.

He was preceded in death by his father and a nephew.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 14, 2017, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2017, in the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Rodney D. Heilig Memorial Fund, to place a monument in the community he served, to honor his memory as a public servant.