David Eugene Heimsness

David was born June 15, 1942 in Austin, MN to Loyl and Catherine (King) Heimsness. He graduated from Pacelli High School in 1960. David served honorably in the U.S. Army from December 1962 until September 1965, attaining the rank of Specialist 5.

David married Vicki Pull on October 24, 1964. They had three children and although they later divorced, they remained friends until David’s passing.

David was able to eventually live openly and proudly as a gay man after societal changes began in the late 1960s. He shared many happy years with his long time partner Edward Villwock in Rochester, MN and in Pompano Beach, FL after they both retired.

David had several careers including concrete and railroad work, hotel hospitality, and in newspapers as circulation manager at the Rochester (MN) Post Bulletin and at Madison (WI) Newspapers, Inc.. He was also an owner of the Village Cafe in Egg Harbor, WI. David retired from the Guest House in Rochester, MN where he worked in service to alcoholic priests.

Survivors include a son, Stephen (Ann) Heimsness; two daughters , Elizabeth (John) Clausen and Katherine Turner; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; a brother, James (Terry) Heimsness; a sister, Cecelia Heimsness; and his former wife, Vicki O’Neill. His parents, long time partner, 5 brothers and 2 sisters preceded him in death.

David was interred at South Florida National Cemetery, Wellington, FL, in a private service. A memorial service celebrating David’s life will occur at The Pride Center in Wilton Manors, FL at a later date, arranged by special and dear friends in the LGBT and recovery communities with the blessing and encouragement of the family. These communities were central to his life and David cherished and found peace in the many relationships he found in them.