Galen Heisdorffer

Galen Heisdorffer

1950 - 2023

OTTUMWA—Galen L. Heisdorffer, 72, of Ottumwa, passed away January 2, 2023 at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center due to heart complications.

He was born February 21, 1950, the son of Donald J. and Lola M. Swailes Heisdorffer. He was united in marriage to Elaine Kay Souer at the Delta Christian Church on November 23, 1972. They lived in Washington, Iowa for a short time before Galen was hired at John Deere Ottumwa Works in 1974. He retired from John Deere in 2008 and was quite proud that he worked there for 34 years. Galen enjoyed going to swap meets, car shows, bus trips with fellow retirees and rarely missed an opportunity to visit with his friends and relatives either by phone or in person. He was quite proud of his 1934 Plymouth Coupe, having owned it for 34 years.

Galen was active in the Local 74 UAW Retirees group, the Poppin Johnnies 2-cylinder group, the AARP group, served as Pleasant Township Trustee and rarely missed a family event or high school reunion.

Galen is survived by his wife, Elaine, as well as his son, Eric and his wife, Jessica all of Ottumwa, and a niece, Jackie Heisdorffer of Clive. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ross and his brother, Gary Heisdorffer. His body has been cremated.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 14, at Reece Funeral Home with Larry Smith officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Inurnment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Bladensburg Christian Church or the Wapello County Expo Grounds.