Stephen (Steve) Joseph Heisler, 86, Cando, ND, died peacefully July 21, 2023, in Cando, ND, surrounded by his family. A family celebration of life and burial will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC), Cando, ND, with Pastor Jeff Peters officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at CFC and was also on Wednesday, July 26, at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home. Burial will be at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Cando, ND immediately following the funeral. The casket bearers will be his grandsons Jacob Heisler, Alex Weston, Johnny Heisler, Tim Gleason, Derrick Reed and family friend, Jeff Teubner.
Steve Heisler was born on Sept. 20, 1936, at his family home in St. Joe’s, ND (15 miles East of Cando, ND), the youngest of 10 children born to Pius and Dorothy Heisler. He attended Metcalf Country School through the 8th grade. Following this he helped his father farm and then completed his GED as an adult in 1974.
He married his sweetheart, Judy Ione Wisler, on June 14, 1963, at the Cando Church of the Brethren, Cando, ND. Steve and Judy raised three active sons that were close in age, Brent, Barry and Brian. Years later to complete their family, along came daughter, Penny Jo, Steve enjoyed a special bond with his granddaughter, Ashely Paige, who resided in the home during her early years.
In 1961, Steve began working with Baker Electric as a lineman. His position took the family to Langdon, Cando, Grand Junction, CO and then back to Cando. Steve retired from his 35-year lineman career in 1996. He was proud of the fact that two of his sons and one grandson followed in his line of work.
Judy Ione became ill and passed away on April 15, 1993, at the age of 49 years. They had 29 years of marriage together raising their family.
A couple of years later Steve was introduced to a young widow, Judy Anderson, by family friends. It soon became apparent that Steve was walking a little faster and Judy had a new sparkle in her eye. The two were united in marriage in Hampden, ND, on June 1, 1996, at Zoar Free Lutheran Church where family and grandchildren helped celebrate this union. Steve and Judy resided on the family farm in Hampden, ND, until 1998 when they moved the farmhouse to Cando. They enjoyed 21 years of wintering in Arizona, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, drinking coffee and eating cookies.
During retirement, Steve enjoyed visiting with family and friends, driving around to “keep an eye on the community,” fixing things, watching old Western movies, and attending his grandchildren’s activities.
Steve loved Jesus his Savior and was a long-time member of Gideons International distributing bibles. He was a member of the Cando Church of the Brethren and Christian Fellowship Church where he served as a faithful volunteer, Sunday School Teacher, and Board Member.
Steve is survived by his wife Judy (Anderson) Heisler (Cando), Sons; Brent (Jennifer) Heisler (Cando, ND); Barry (Melissa) Heisler (Cando, ND); Brian (Pam) Heisler, (Boulder City, NV), and Penny Weston, (Cando, ND).
Stepchildren: Todd (Becky) Anderson, (Red Willow, ND); Tedd Anderson (Hampden, ND); Jay Anderson (Hampden, ND); Joy (Terry) Roppel, (Red Willow, ND)
Grandchildren: Allie Gleason, Johnny, Jacob, Jaci, Jasmine and Bailey Heisler, Ashley Reed, Kayla and Alex Weston, and Madison Kelley. Brianna Uriell, Brandon and Trevor Roppel, and Nickolas Koller.
Great grandchildren: Isla, Hadley, Norah and baby girl, Reed, Christian Uriell, Hayden Roppel, and Alison Koller.
Surviving Siblings: Clara, Lena and Delphine.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Ione, parents Pius and Dorothy Heisler, brother Matt Heisler, sisters: Amelia Mattern, Rose Winnegge, Annie Rader, Liz Hartl, and Frances Katafias. Grandchild Chase Koller, and an infant sister.
Online guestbook is available at www.dunnigandix.com.
Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND is in charge of arrangements.
