Dennis John Heilman

Dennis was born November 6, 1943 and raised in North Dakota. He lived briefly in Iowa and Colorado before moving to California in 1962 where he met and married his wife, Margaret, and raised two daughters. Dennis was a proud veteran, having served in the Army during the Vietnam War and supported veteran's causes. Dennis was self-employed at Gardena Muffler Service for 30 years before retiring in 1997. He loved spending time with his family and friends, camping when the children were young and cruising around the world with them when they became adults. He always looked forward to the many cross country driving trips to visit family and friends in Iowa and Minnesota. Dennis was an avid horse racing fan and studied them diligently. He had been a long time member of the Elks and American Legion. He was not afraid to try new things and everything was a learning experience.

Dennis is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Margaret Heilman; daughters Deeann Heilman of Torrance and Amy Heilman of Torrance. He is also survived by three brothers, Andy Heilman, Larry (Sue) Heilman and Leo (Karlene) Heilman; two sisters, Shirley Bahr and Kathy (Jim) Adkins and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad Heilman and Barbara Parish and infant twin sisters, Karen and Sharon.

Dennis touched the lives of all he met through his kindness, helping hands and generosity. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

The Memorial Service will be held at Rice Mortuary in Torrance on Saturday August 20, 2011 at 2pm. A reception will follow in the Rice Lighthouse Reception Room until 5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home on the Range of North Dakota (http://hotrnd.com/) or Disabled American Veterans (http://www.dav.org/donate/MemorialHonoraryGifts.aspx).