Darlene Heierman
Winona Lake – Darlene Janetta Heierman, 89, of Winona Lake, passed away on June 16th, 2026, at Grace Village Healthcare.
She was born on Aug. 5, 1936, in Mishawaka, IN to Alvin and Iola Miller. Darlene grew up in Mishawaka and graduated from John Adams High School. She married James H. Heierman of Leesburg on Aug 15, 1954, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Mishawaka.
Darlene was a devoted stay-at-home mother who lovingly raised five children alongside her loving husband Jim, guiding them with a steadfast faith in our Lord and Savior. She found joy in the simple and beautiful gifts of God’s creation – watching birds, tending her flowers and gardens, traveling to new places, and marveling at the beauty of the world around her. Her nurturing spirit, deep faith, and appreciation of God’s handiwork touched the lives of all who knew her and will remain a lasting legacy for her family and friends.
Darlene & Jim were able to enjoy traveling, having the opportunity to visit every National Park in the United States along with traveling to many different countries. The couple resided in Leesburg for 63 years before moving to Grace Village in Winona Lake. They were former members of Redeemer Lutheran Church and current members of Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years of marriage, James (Jim) Heierman, and survived by her children: James W. (Bev) Heierman, Susan (Gregory, deceased) Harman, Sherry (Rev David) Shadday, David (Tammy) Heierman and Carol (Timothy) Hamann; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Darlene is also survived by her dear brother, Larry (Bunny, deceased) Miller.
When asked what their secret was for a long and happy marriage, the response was, “Hold hands often, pray together, forgive each other; and trust in Jesus Christ our Saviour. He’s the ‘glue’ that holds everything together.”
Services will be held Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church, Syracuse. Visitation will be from 10:00 until service time. Burial will follow at the Leesburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in loving memory of Darlene may be made to Magical Meadows https://www.themagicalmeadows.org/ (Therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans and first responders), or to Legacy of Blessings Adoption Foundation https://www.legacyofblessings.org/ (Providing hope for child adoptions).
Eastlund Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.