Edwin Arnold Hieb

Edwin Arnold Hieb

Marion

Edwin Arnold Hieb, 96, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bickford of Marion, attended by his loving children. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, with an additional visitation an hour prior to the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. The funeral service will also be available via live stream (https://stjoesmarion.org/videos, navigate to “Mass Recordings,” and click the playlist button in upper right corner).

Edwin was born on Jan. 11, 1927, on a farm near Reliance, S.D., the son of John J. and Margaret (Reuer) Hieb. He graduated from Reliance High School in 1944. Edwin continued to work on his parents’ farm until enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951, proudly serving his country for four years. After discharge from the Air Force, Edwin attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. After graduation from college, he was employed as an engineer by Collins Radio, and later the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. On June 30, 1962, Edwin married Helen Kay Cross in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together they enjoyed 51 years of marriage, during which they raised three children in Marion.

Growing up on a farm during the Great Depression, Edwin learned how to stretch a dollar and save for a rainy day. He became self-reliant and could fix just about anything. This led him to become an avid do-it-yourselfer, taking on every home improvement project you can imagine.

Edwin was passionate about many things. First on the list was his love of fishing, especially for walleye. Because he was so successful, the family enjoyed frequent Friday night fish fries. He also enjoyed cooking, his specialty being his delicious soups and BLTs with home-grown tomatoes. He loved to spend time tinkering in his workshop, and even built his own color TV.

Edwin was a patient man. He took the time to listen, nurture our curiosity, and helped us learn from our mistakes. He was very proud and supportive of his children.

Edwin was pragmatic. He didn’t procrastinate or shrink from a challenge. When there was a problem to be solved, he would always say, “Plan the work, and work the plan.” Once he started something, he would always see it through to the end. He often said, “If you want it done right, you need to do it yourself.” Edwin will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Edwin is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Bradley (Angela) Hieb of Farmington Hills, Mich., Jennifer Leaders of Prairie Village, Kan., and Marty (Faye) Hieb of St. Louis Park, Minn.; two grandchildren, Kayla and Amber; brother, Ervin Hieb of South Dakota; sister, Lillian Fallek of Minneapolis, Minn.; and sister-in-law, Judy Hieb.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 51 years, Helen; two brothers, Allan and Joseph (Helen) Hieb; sister-in-law, Donna Hieb; and brother-in-law, Max Fallek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org) or the Cedar Rapids Area Alzheimer’s Association Office at 317 7th Ave. SE, Suite 402, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, (319) 294-9699.

Please share a memory of Edwin at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.