Vivian Heidinger

Vivian Heidinger, 98, Kulm, ND died Monday, September 2, 2024 at Jamestown Regional Medical Center in Jamestown.

Vivian Buerkley was born August 14, 1926 in LaMoure County, West of Kulm the daughter of Fred and Christina (Burkle) Buerkley. She grew to womanhood in the area, attended grade school, and graduated from Kulm High School in 1944. She taught school in the area for 2 terms, after World War 2 when there was a shortage of teachers.

She was united in marriage to Edwin Heidinger on November 18, 1945; they made their home on the family farm. In 1978 they partially retired, moving to a home near the outskirts of Kulm. Following the death of Edwin in January of 1988, she moved into Kulm.

 In 1968 she began work as an outreach worker for LaMoure County Services and later as a site manager for the Kulm Meal Program until retiring in 1993. 

 In 1995 she was united in marriage to Howard Haffner of Farmington, MN; they made their home in Kulm, spending some winters in Arizona until Howard’s passing in 2008.

Vivian was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church for many years, serving as a Sunday school teacher, on the Church board, as a choir member, and in the Ladies Circle. In 1991 she joined the Kulm Baptist Church where she was an active member along with being the custodian for several years. Vivian accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1947 and has tried, with the Grace of God, to live a life pleasing to him.

Vivian is survived by her children, Ryan (Marlene) Heidinger, Kulm, ND & their children, Sherry Magnan and her children, Reed, Greyson, & Haven. Tanja (Troy) Sayler and their children, Ryan (Brittany) Sayler, Evan, & Kiana. Daughter Lynda (Jim) Giesler, Kulm, ND, and their children, Brooke (Drago) Ford and their children, Jozelyn and Ian. Brandon (Amy) Giesler and their children, Bradon, Benet, & Gage. Grandson Chad Heidinger and son Garret. Grandson Mitch Heidinger and his children Landon and Alexis.

Stepchildren, Lee (Linda) Haffner; Barbara (Jerry) Higgens; Rose Reinardy; and step grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Brother, Fred, Jr. (Sophia) Buerkley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both husbands; parents; 1 son, Edwin, Jr and daughter-in-law (Gloriann).; grandson, Shay Heidinger, granddaughter, Anna Heidinger and granddaughter-in-law Michelle Giesler. Siblings, Robert (Ruth), Herbert (Alice), Lucille (Melvin) Walker, Floyd (Lois), Palmer (Ella), Marilyn (Howard) Weiler, & 3 in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Child Evangelism Fellowship


The funeral service is available to view here- https://vimeo.com/1007803840?fl=tl&fe=ec

The prayer service is available to view here- https://vimeo.com/1007520195?fl=tl&fe=ec