Dwain H. Heitshusen was born at the “old Oakland Hospital” in Oakland, Nebraska on February 3, 1941. He passed February 2, 2024, just one day before his 83rd birthday. Dwain was born to Elmer J and Verna (Prien) Heitshusen as an only child.
Dwain spent his childhood on a farm just east of Bertha and was very active in both 4-H and FFA. Upon graduating from Lyons High School in 1958, Dwain continued his education by attending UNL and graduated with a degree in animal science. He then was employed for several years as a Madison County Agricultural Extension Agent until 1965 when he returned to Lyons to take over the family farms.
Dwain married his college sweetheart Judy Ruenholl, on August 27, 1961. They welcomed three daughters- Becky (Dennis) Bruening of St Helena, NE, Barbra (David) Lierman of Lyons, NE and Polly (Brad) Blum of Truro, IA. Dwain finally got his boys with the grandchildren-Kyle Bruening and fiancé Abby, Kristi Bruening and fiancé Shane, Kevin Bruening and fiancé Alexis, Alex Lierman, Colbi Lierman and fiancé Erik, Taylor Lierman and fiancé Erin, Brook and (Miss Brooke) Blum and Hunter Blum. Dwain will be smiling down from God’s Heaven as we continue to grow in love and numbers.
Dwain loved his family and enjoyed doing special things with them. He enjoyed having his girls show livestock and horses at the fairs. The smile on his face at a win was worth all the work. Vacations were always a special time for the family when he could give 100%.
Dwain and Judy were devoted members of the Swing-aways square dance club. This is where they formed lifelong bonds with friends Don & Marge Schold, Norm & Nancy Wallerstedt and many others.
They have also been active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Lyons, followed by Salem Covenant church of rural Oakland. They took pride in ministry through the church’s food pantry.
After his retirement from livestock and crop farming, Dwain assisted his daughter, Barb, in the creation of Heartland Classics, home of precious rare breed dogs and puppies. Barb and her family continue to operate this business on the family farm. His legacy will continue on, on this land that he invested his heart and soul in.
In 2015 Dwain and Judy moved to their retirement home in Fremont. Then in November of 2023 they moved to Esprit Whispering Ridge assisted living where they could have more care. This is where he resided at his death. Dwain is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Becky, Barb & Polly and their families, a brother-in-law, David Ruenholl of Mesa, AZ and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, 10:30 am at Salem Covenant Church, rural Oakland, with visitation Sunday, 6-8 pm at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland. Burial took place at the Lyons Cemetery, Lyons. Memorials suggested to the Burt County Fair Foundation, ℅ Laurie Elliot, 3485 Co Rd K, Tekamah, NE 68061
