Sylvia Ardella Olson Heimdal
Sylvia Ardella Heimdal, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at Lake Mills Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills. Extended family visitation will take place from 9-10 a.m., followed by a public visitation from 10-11 a.m. before the service.
Sylvia was born to Arthur and Nora Olson, June 25, 1933, in Albert Lea, Minn.
In 1957, she married the love of her life, Paul Heimdal, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years. Together, they built a life full of cherished memories, laughter, and a strong legacy of family.
Sylvia’s love for her family was unwavering and boundless. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoyed every family celebration and participated in everything she could. Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, always open to those she loved. Her famous baked goods, especially her bars, pies, and cookies, were a tangible expression of her love, bringing joy to all who tasted them.
An avid gardener, Sylvia delighted in creating beautiful flower-filled spaces and found peace in nature’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time at the family cabin on Stony Lake, where she embraced lake life to the fullest. Summers there were filled with laughter, sunshine, and countless treasured moments that will live on in the hearts of all who shared them.
Sylvia was known not only for her warmth and kindness, but also for her remarkable creativity. She could sew anything and took great joy in crafting exquisite quilts, each a work of art that reflected her love and care. Her beautiful quilts warm the homes and hearts of her family, becoming treasured heirlooms that will continue to bring comfort and memories for generations.
Sylvia’s legacy is one of kindness, care, and boundless generosity. Her spirit of hospitality and love left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her example will continue to inspire her family and friends, serving as a guiding light for generations to come.
She is survived by her children: Mary Appleton, Patricia Caffes, Cheryl (Bob) Read, and Dennis (Kari) Heimdal; her 12 grandchildren: Luke (Kendra) Appleton, Leah Appleton, Sam (Bekah) Read, Demetrius (Maddy) Caffes, Kyle (Erin) Read, Aryanna (Travis) Caffes, Thor Heimdal, Caleb (Ashley) Appleton, Nora Read, Rikka Heimdal, Dominik Caffes, and Trigg Heimdal; her eight great-grandchildren: Ava Caffes, Emerysn Appleton, Easton Caffes, Ellie Caffes, Lynden Appleton, Eliza Read, Bennett Read, and Elliott Appleton; and her sisters-in-law: Alice Olson, Leslie Pearson, and Carole Hagen.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Heimdal; her son-in-law, Bart Appleton; her brothers: Ronald Olson and Charles Olson; and her sister, Rebecca (Bill) Gary; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Harold and Sybil Arthur, Ruth and Jim Tweeten, and Vernon Hagen.
