Howard W. Heitman, 93, Ada, MN, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Howard William Heitman was born to William John and Clara (Letness) Heitman in Crookston, Minnesota on February 11, 1924. Howard was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Pleasant View Church, near Hadler. Howard started his education in a country school and then, at the mere age of 13, attended Northwestern School of Agriculture in Crookston. Howard lived in Crookston, at the school, during the winter months and then returned to the farm in the spring to help out. Howard graduated in 1941. He then worked on the farm until he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944, where he served honorably. He was discharged in 1946 and returned again to the farm.

On February 18, 1948, Howard married Delores Benesh, on her parents' wedding anniversary, at the First Lutheran Church of Ada. Together Howard and Dottie farmed southwest of Ada until 1978. Although he moved into town and turned the management of the farm over to his sons, Howard was a farmer until the end. He had a love of hunting, fishing, and animals, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Howard and Dottie enjoyed their retirement winters at Estero Island, Fort Myers, Florida, where they spent their time visiting with friends and walking the beach. They loved to travel and explored most of the country by car. Summers were spent at Ada Beach on Elbow Lake, surrounded by friends and family. Howard seemed most at peace when near the water. Dottie and Howard recently made their home at the Summerfield in Ada, where he continued to keep watch over Ada looking out the window from his favorite chair. He was an avid supporter of Ada-Borup arts and athletics. Even when no longer able to attend all of the events, he loved listening to broadcasts on KRJB.  Howard was strong, hardworking, funny, intelligent, generous, and loving. There was nothing more important to him than his family.

Along with his wife Dottie, Howard is survived by their five children, their spouses and families: Dianne Ray (Scott) Marysville, Washington, Dean (NeNe) Detroit Lakes, Dwight (Mary Lou) Ada, David (Liz) Dilworth, Dennis (Cindy) Ada, as well as 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Howard was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Vernice Geddes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or the Ada-Borup Booster Club.

"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:20

Funeral: 11:00AM Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada.

Visitation: From 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 6:30PM prayer service on Monday, April 3, 2017, at the church.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.