Charles J. Heimark, Sr., 74, died at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Minneapolis on Tuesday, June 30, 1998. He entered the VA on December 8, 1997 after helping his son to bring in the fall harvest. Charles had open heart surgery on December 22 and spent the next six months in the Surgical Intensive Care unit, amazing team after team of doctors with his will to live as he courageously battled against multiple ailments, finally succumbing with peace and dignity, dying as he preferred to live, surrounded by his family. Charles Jerome Heimark, Sr. was born on September 16, 1923 to Mabel (Monson) and Clarence Heimark at their farm in Clarkfield. He was baptized and confirmed at Bergen Lutheran Church. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Clarkfield High School. He attended the University of Minnesota and later joined the Navy where he proudly served his country in World War II. He married Dorothea Mae Johnson on May 29, 1949 in Dawson. They settled in rural Clarkfield where Charles and Dorothea farmed together until the fall of 1997. Charles owned and operated General Dryer Corporation which manufactured grain dryers and "Headsnatcher" sunflower harvesting equipment for many years. Charles is lovingly remembered by his wife Dorothea and four children, Charlette (Robert) Benson, Charles "Corky" J., Jr. (Deb) Heimark, Carrie Jo Short, and Carla Perkins (Robert Sarafin). He leaves a living legacy through his grandchildren: Christopher and Peter Benson, Montevideo, MN; Tawnia Perkins and Jaimie Perkins-Sarafin, Savage, MN; and Nichole and Alexander Short, Hastings, MN. He is survived by his sisters: Mae (Paul) O'Brien, Absecon, NJ; Eleanor (Adrian) Johnson, Faribault, MN; brothers: Clark (Marlyce) Heimark, Montevideo, MN; and Robert (Geri) Heimark, Montevideo, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews. Charles often said that he lived his life exactly as he wanted, something not many people can say. He was dearly loved and he will be missed. Visitation: Sunday, July 5, 1998, 7:00-9:00p.m., Prayer Service 8:00p.m., Lynner Funeral Home Funeral Service: Monday, July 6, 1998, 2:00p.m., Bergen Lutheran Church Officiant: Pastor Terry Hagenson Organist: Kathy Dufrane Soloist: Dave Rupp, "The Navy Hymn", "Borning Cry" Casketbearers: Byron Handeland, Kenny Handeland, Mickey McCoy, Pat McCoy, Richard Smith, Mark Stenson Military Rites: Anderson - Tongen American Legion Post, Hazel Run, Minnesota Final Resting Place: Bergen Lutheran Cemetery, Stony Run Township, Yellow Medicine Co., MN Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota