Richard J. Heisler
August 5, 1935 — November 27, 2023
Devils Lake
Richard J. Heisler
Richard James Heisler
Heisler, Richard J. Born August 5th, 1935, in Esmond, ND, lost his battle with leukemia on November 27, 2023
Heisler, Richard J. Born August 5th, 1935, in Esmond, ND, was a devoted husband and father, known for his hard work, self-taught mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and carpentry skills. Growing up as the eldest son of nine, Richard’s many responsibilities and early experiences shaped him into a resourceful and determined individual. Leaving high school at 16, venturing to Seattle, WA, briefly, before returning to ND, securing a job with the Great Northern/BNSF railroad at 17, a diverse career that spanned over 44 years.
Richard, began as a cook and worked his way up to become a signal maintainer. Despite losing his father at the age of 21,
Richard took great pride in raising nine children with Patty, all of whom went on to receive a college education. The family resided
in Esmond and Karlsruhe before settling in Devils Lake. Richard's work ethic extended beyond his professional life. He
dedicated time to helping others, from fixing furnaces for elderly widows to shoveling coal for the Catholic Church. He served as a
School Board Member and President, along with being the Recreational Director in Karlsruhe, he installed the pubic sewer
system for all residents in the city of Karlsruhe. Known for his carpentry skills, inventive spirit, and love of challenges, Richard
overhauled vehicles, built and remodeled homes, and even crafted a snowmobile from scratch in 1967, using a lawnmower
motor for the engine. He was frugal, always engaged in a project, and had a particular fondness for music and traveling to watch/
support his kid’s/grandkid’s events.
Survived by loving and devoted best friend and wife of 65 years, Patricia. Also survived by sons & daughters, Darrell (Betty);
Dean; Deanne (Michael); Doyle (Deana); Desilee (Steve); Dion (Andrea); Durene (Jay); Douglas (Sheila); and Daina (Kevin); 23
grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Also survived by brothers Ray (Margret), Don, and Ron.
Richard, began as a cook and worked his way up to become a signal maintainer. Despite losing his father at the age of 21,
Richard took great pride in raising nine children with Patty, all of whom went on to receive a college education. The family resided
in Esmond and Karlsruhe before settling in Devils Lake. Richard's work ethic extended beyond his professional life. He
dedicated time to helping others, from fixing furnaces for elderly widows to shoveling coal for the Catholic Church. He served as a
School Board Member and President, along with being the Recreational Director in Karlsruhe, he installed the pubic sewer
system for all residents in the city of Karlsruhe. Known for his carpentry skills, inventive spirit, and love of challenges, Richard
overhauled vehicles, built and remodeled homes, and even crafted a snowmobile from scratch in 1967, using a lawnmower
motor for the engine. He was frugal, always engaged in a project, and had a particular fondness for music and traveling to watch/
support his kid’s/grandkid’s events.
Survived by loving and devoted best friend and wife of 65 years, Patricia. Also survived by sons & daughters, Darrell (Betty);
Dean; Deanne (Michael); Doyle (Deana); Desilee (Steve); Dion (Andrea); Durene (Jay); Douglas (Sheila); and Daina (Kevin); 23
grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Also survived by brothers Ray (Margret), Don, and Ron.
He is preceded in death by parents, Nickolas & Rose, sisters; Rosie (Neil), Virginia (Merton), Monica (Gerald), Connie, and brother Rudy. Richard's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of those who loved him.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, December 2, from 2 pm – 4 pm at the St. Joseph
Parish Center, 501 4th St. NE; Devils Lake, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to, St Jude’s
Children’s Hospital in his name. There will be a Private interment.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard J. Heisler, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday, December 2, 2023
2:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
St. Joseph Parish Center
Guestbook
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