Constance R. “Connie” Heim, age 77, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on September 12th, 2025. A woman of deep faith, quick wit, and everyday kindness, Connie was the steady center of her family and a loyal friend to many.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19th, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Rev. Ray Burkle officiating. Private family burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Connie was born on October 24, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of David and Dorothy (Meyer) Kupferschmidt. Connie graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1965. She married Wayne F. Heim on May 30th, 1970, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

She began her career in the office at the Dubuque Packing Company and later worked in the Accounting Office at John Deere Dubuque Works. Following her love of animals, she also served as a dog groomer at the Urban Hound, caring for countless family pets.

Connie gave generously of her time and talents. She volunteered at the Holy Ghost School Library and the Loras College Library, happily sharing her love of books. A Franciscan Associate, she lived her faith with a deep devotion to Mary, prayerfully crafting numerous rosaries that she gifted to others.

A curious mind to the end, Connie was a lifelong learner who enjoyed taking many classes at the Roberta Kuhn Center. At home, she loved to read, quilt, sew, make crafts, travel to Arizona, play cards, and most of all, spend time with her boys, her three grandchildren, and friends from church. She loved her dogs and rarely met a fabric store she could pass by—there wasn’t a quilt shop that she was able to resist. Humble and caring, she was the epitome of kindness, and many will remember that Connie gave the very best hugs.

She was immensely proud of her boys and grandchildren, celebrating their milestones with joy and gratitude.

Connie is survived by her husband of 55 years Wayne; her sons: Jon (Kate) Heim, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jason Heim, Justin Heim and Jordan Heim all of Dubuque; her grandchildren: Adelaide, Marlena and Karsten; along with her sister Kay (Brad) Averkamp, of East Dubuque, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and David Kupfeschmidt, her Sister Carol Friederick, brother-in-law Carl Friederick, and her nephew Mica Friederick

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a parish, school, library, animal shelter or a charity of your choice in memory of Connie.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to MercyOne Medical Center for their wonderful care; to Fr. Ray Burkle and to the many family and friends of Connie for their love, support and prayers during this difficult time.

Connie’s legacy is stitched into the lives she touched—faith, family, friendship, and small acts of gentleness, pieced together like a beloved quilt.  She will be greatly missed.