Portrait of James Duane Heidt
VETERAN
In loving memory of Gramps

James Duane Heidt

August 3, 1936 – August 26, 2023
Lived 87 years
Saint Mary’s Cemetery · Bismarck, North Dakota
In service to country

Thank you for your service

James served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.

Life story

Jim was born on August 3, 1936, in Bismarck, ND to Xavier “Dan” and Elizabeth (Klug) Heidt. He graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School, Class of 1954. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was later honorably discharged. He then attended Bismarck State College and the University of North Dakota.

He married Patricia K. Cordner on June 13, 1959. They had three children together.

Jim worked at the United States Geological Survey for 35 years. As a hydrologist, he studied and analyzed waters all across the state of North Dakota. He made many lasting friendships and retired in 1991.

Jim was an active member of Belles n’ Beaux square dancing group which brought him to events all over the U.S. He was a proud member of the Elks and Eagles Club both for over 50 years, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Parents without Partners, and Single File.

Jim loved to travel, often taking cross-country road trips to visit his sisters and other family. He also enjoyed supporting his grandchildren at sporting events, playing card games, eating at buffets, going out for breakfast, and never, ever turning down a trip to Sam’s Club. Jim was very active - if he wasn’t dancing, he was inviting his grandchildren to go cross-country skiing or biking. He loved chauffeuring his grandkids and their friends to sporting events, DQ and McDonald’s (one of his favorite places to eat). Gramps loved to bring donuts to his grandkids every Sunday morning after church. Gramps was also known for “accidentally” dropping his food for the four-legged critters he loved so much.

Gramps will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kelly (Jeff) Wetzel and Kimberly (Tab) Meyer; grandchildren, Lesley Heidt, Jessica (Dave) Meberg, Justin (Kelly) Wetzel, Krystal (Dustin) Berger, Joshua (Carrie) Meyer, Carly (Levi) Hummel, Kaylin Meyer, Kenadee Meyer, Christa Meyer; great grandchildren, Madisyn, Jett, David, Henry, Edith, Jozie, Avary, Broderick, Jack, Charlie, Tate, and MacKenzie; sisters, Marilyn (Petie) Dickinson and Nancy (Roger) Gehring; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Elizabeth Heidt; the mother of his children, Pat Heidt; son, Marc Heidt; sister, Lucille McGillvary; grandson, Kody; and many other close family members.

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Photos
Lifetime

The world James knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1936
Born August 3
1939
James was 3 when "Gone with the Wind" premiered in Atlanta
1944
James was 8 when Allied troops landed at Normandy on D-Day
1958
James was 22 when the Hula Hoop craze swept the country
1962
James was 26 when the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war
1975
James was 39 when Saigon fell, ending the Vietnam War
1982
James was 46 when Michael Jackson released "Thriller"
1997
James was 61 when "Titanic" opened in theaters
2004
James was 68 when Facebook was launched
2016
James was 80 when Pokemon Go sent millions outdoors hunting creatures
2022
James was 86 when Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years on the throne
2023
Passed away August 26, age 87
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Saint Mary’s Cemetery
Bismarck, North Dakota
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