Lee Roy Heimgartner, 72, beloved husband, father, son, brother, papa, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, of cancer.
Lee was the firstborn to Roy Heimgartner and Ardythe Lindor Heimgartner, born June 1, 1952, in Moscow, joined two years later by his brother Dale. The family moved from Juliaetta up the hill to the farm when Lee was in the first grade. They were raised surrounded by cousins, playing basketball in the old round-roofed barn by the house and spending time trying to catch catfish that they transplanted from lake fishing to the troughs. The fish would usually win since the kids only had safety pins for hooks on a string. There was always trouble to be found when the cousins were together, which usually resorted in being sent to weed the garden.
Lee graduated from Lapwai High School in 1970, where he was a three-sport athlete, and participated in FFA, band, L Club, chorus and two plays. He then attended the University of Idaho for one year, before he decided farming was his love. Lee worked for Larry Boyer Farms until 1975 before returning to join the family farm with his father Roy and Uncle Wayne, which was his lifetime career.
Lee married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Bonin, on Sept. 4, 1970. They welcomed three children Leah, Lynn and Chad. The family experienced many memories including farm life, boat camping, snow skiing, and vacationing with family and friends. Lee enjoyed his two loves of family and farming for the entirety of his life.
Lee will be missed at the family farm by his loving wife, Barbara; brother Dale (Bobbi) Heimgartner, of Coeur d’Alene; daughter Lynn (Justin) Cook: grandkids Aleena, Devyn, and Sam, of Latah, Wash.; son Chad (Danielle) Heimgartner: grandkids Harley, Mercedes, and Hank, of Juliaetta; grandkids Brooke (Jalen) Kirk, Bailee, Bodee, and son-in-law Owen Swanson and great-granddaughter Aleah Kirk, all of Deary. Also surviving him are in-laws: Debby LeBlanc, Sid and Brenda Armstrong and Doris Bonin; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all who will miss his love, strong unfiltered advice and quick wit. He was known to send his grandkids some great texts when he couldn’t be present. Lee was respected by many throughout his life and in the farming community.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ardythe, along with his cherished firstborn daughter Leah Swanson, beloved grandson Joe Cook, and brothers-in-law Ken LeBlanc and Tom Bonin.
Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. A reception will follow at the Heimgartner Shop in Juliaetta, please feel free to bring a side dish to share.
In lieu of flowers Lee favored the Kendrick Booster Club, J-K EMT and Shriners Hospital for any donations.
We would like to thank all the family and friends who supported and visited over the last few months and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for their excellent care.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Monday, May 12, 11:00 AM
- Location
-
Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home
1711 18th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
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SHEILA NEER
Sorry to hear of Lee's passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:39 AM
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1711 18th Street