Adolph C. Heilman, 98, died in Austin, Texas of natural causes, September 9, 2005. He was born on October 25, 1906, in the Town of Ridgeville, Wisconsin, to Casper and Sophia (Michels) Heilman. He was preceded in death by five brothers  and one sister.

     Adolph married Genevieve B. Schmitz (deceased 1991) August 9, 1932. Their union was blessed with three children, Richard, Austin Texas; Carol, Prairie Village, Kansas; and Rosemary, Lakeville, Minnesota.

     Adolph graduated from Wilton, Wisconsin High School, and worked at the State Bank of Wilton after graduation and before the Great Depression. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps and later with the Federal Drought Relief Program. In the late 1930’s, he entered the fuel oil business hauling heating fuel in Sparta, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. He subsequently purchased the business and served the community until his retirement in 1983, with partners Frank Schmitz (brother-in-law), and later, Don Alexander.

     Adolph was also a dedicated public servant. He was a member of the volunteer Sparta Fire Department for 23 years, and was a member of the Monroe County Board from 1957-1982, serving as Chairman from 1971-1978, and Vice Chairman from 1978-1982. He was active in the Catholic Church and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and had served as Grand Knight of the Sparta Chapter of St. Patrick’s Church.

     He was known as a quiet, gentle man with a quick wit, who liked to see everyone happy. He valued hard work and keeping busy, and he enjoyed sports and liked to sing and dance. After his wife’s death, he left Wisconsin and lived with his daughter, Carol, and husband, for 12 years. He then moved to Austin, Texas for his final years. He is survived by his three children and daughter-in-law, Patricia Heilman, sons-in-law, Raymond Smith and Gary Mikkelson. Grandchildren include Heidi, Daniel, Sara and Benjamin Heilman, Therese and Michael Smith, Andrew and Greg Heffling, Lindsey and David Mikkelson, and great grandchildren, Chloe and Katy Heilman, Luke Snyder, and Emily Smith.

     A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, April 22, 2006 at 10 a.m. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

     Friends may call at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Mass or a donation to a charity of one’s choosing.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.