Charlene was born June 9, 1925, at her grandparent's homestead to Otis and Gladys (Porter) Palmer, one of 4 children. Charlene attended and graduated from Miller in 1943. She then obtained a temporary two-year teaching certificate and taught in a rural school close to home.

Charlene married her life-long best friend, Elmer Heilman, on October 13, 1944. Together they had 4 children; Pam, Joan, Mike, and Becky. Elmer and Charlene ran many businesses; The Highway Store on Hwy 85 between Miller and Gann Valley; a television and appliance store and a drive-in called "Whoa Boy" both in McIntosh. In 1962, the family moved to Custer and continued the television and electronic business. While in Custer Charlene also worked at various locations; local grocery store, Dr. Calvin, Custer Weekly, and retired from the United States Forest Service. In 1973, tragedy hit when their daughter, Joan, and her husband, Carl Peterson, were killed in a house fire. Their only child, Carla, survived the fire and came to live with her grandparents and was raised as their own. In 1992, Elmer and Charlene retired and moved to Rapid City. They spent many winters in Arizona and camping with the Paha Sapa Good Sam Campers during the summer. Charlene also volunteered at Regional Hospital in the surgical waiting room.

Charlene was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and active with the Presbyterian Women's Groups. She was also a life-long member of the Republican Party and has been involved with the local party and served as State Central Committee Women of Corson County GOP. She was also a 60 plus year member of the order of Eastern Star and served and advanced to Worthy Matron. She supported her daughters, Becky and Carla, while they were in Jobs Daughters and served as Bethel Guardian of Bethel #23 of Custer. She also has been a member of several bible studies, NARFE, and the Hand, Corson, Custer, Pennington, and Meade County Republican Women.

Charlene May Heilman, 90, of Sturgis, passed away on May 27, 2016.

Survivors include daughter, Pam and Jerry Gardner of Walla Walla, WA; son, Mike Heilman of Sturgis, SD; daughter, Becky and David Sutterfield of Pahrump, NV; granddaughter, Carla and Todd Knutson of Spearfish, SD; sister, Gale and Bill Ogilvie of Tonasket, WA; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and after 90 years, many, many friends.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Heilman; parents, Otis & Gladys Palmer; daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Carl Peterson, Jr; brothers and sisters-in-law, John & Arlen Palmer and Keith and Doris Palmer; and son-in-law, Howard Sutterfield.

Memorial Services will be 10:00 am Tuesday June 14, 2016 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, with Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating.

Inurnment will follow at 2:00 pm in the Custer City Cemetery, Custer, SD.

Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis is in charge of the arrangements.

Click on link to view service folder