Lee Alfred Heideman

MIDDLETON - Lee A. Heideman, age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Lee was born on November 23, 1941, the son of Alfred and Lucia Heideman. He was raised in Jefferson, Wis., and grew up on the family farm.

He attended Jefferson High School and UW-Whitewater. Lee was in the Air National Guard based in Colorado and later at Truax Field in Madison.

In high school, Lee met the love of his life, Joan Grace Vaughan, from Sullivan. They married on July 18, 1964, sharing a wonderful life for over 61 years. They lived in Madison and eventually set roots in Middleton where they raised Bradley, Jill and Dana. The three kids have many special Spring Break memories of road trips to Florida in the brown Ford Torino station wagon. Lee had a knack for always finding the best parking spot.

Lee worked at Sears for 25 years in many different management positions. Lee’s friendly personality and natural ability to start a conversation with anyone helped him excel in sales. He made many lifelong friends at Sears. He later managed two Batteries Plus stores and eventually retired. He couldn’t stay away from people though and worked part-time at Brennan’s Market.

Lee was a huge Badger fan and loved taking his kids and their friends to basketball and football games. A special memory is when Lee and Joan went to the 2000 Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Lee spent his summers playing golf all over Wisconsin with his favorite people. He also enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and playing Euchre and Sheepshead (Schafkopf as Lee called it). He loved being outside, watching the birds and keeping the area around the neighborhood pond looking tidy.

Lee often traveled alongside Brad during work trips, admiring the countryside. He was always up for a get-together and loved going to Dana’s for a cookout. When Jill would visit from Connecticut, he enjoyed going for pancakes. Lee was always eager to help his kids with odd jobs; like picking up their yards, cleaning the garage, painting and fixing things.

His Catholic faith was very important to him. Lee and Joan have been members of St. Bernard Church for over 50 years. His life revolved around his family. Lee was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, always supporting his children through every stage of life. He adored and treasured every moment with his six grandchildren and took such pride in watching them grow. From playdates and holidays to cheering them on at activities and sporting events. If any of them had a game in Waunakee, you would always find Lee on the sidelines. When the grandkids were little, Lee always knew how to keep them busy with clever games, trains, cars and shenanigans. He was quirky and silly and loved making them laugh. His family is really missing him.  

Lee was an amazing gentleman with the best smile. He was welcoming and a friend to everyone he met. It seemed like everywhere Lee went, he knew somebody. If you were lucky enough to run into him, he made you smile for sure. His sense of humor, quick wit and calm demeanor made him so easy to love. He always had a kind word and gave reminders like: don’t sweat the small stuff, chin up, stay positive, you can do it.

Lee is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Bradley (Jennifer) Heideman, Jill (Joseph) Farruggio and Dana (Mark) Lutz; grandchildren, Sydney, Jake, Evan, Anna, Jack and Ryan. As well as Lee’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Sue Vaughan; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Lee is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Wiedenfeld; brother-in-law, Ronnie Wiedenfeld; brother, Roger Heideman; sister-in-law, Pat Heideman; sister-in-law, Mary Monogue; and brother-in-law, Bob Monogue.

Lee will be deeply missed. Say a prayer, give someone a hug and toast to Lee as you share your favorite story about him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761