Timothy A. "Tim" Heiner, 63 of rural Jackson, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 at his home, loved and comforted by his family after a courageous 23-month battle with glioblastoma. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Knight of Columbus (KC) Hall in South Sioux City, Nebraska, 1805 W. 29th Street with family present beginning at noon. Fellowship and Refreshment will follow the service at the KC Hall. In honor of Tim, and in lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to support glioblastoma research.  On Venmo search @GiveForTim to make a donation.

To know Tim was to love him—and to be loved by him was something people carried for a lifetime. His presence filled rooms, his energy drew people in, and his impact is impossible to measure in words. 

Tim was born on May 25, 1962, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Sharon Heiner and Virgil “Butch” Heiner. He grew up alongside his siblings Tony, Tammy, Tracy, and Tristan, and his adopted brother, Russell, in a childhood full of laughter, “rascaling around,” and lessons that shaped his toughness and humor. 

He built a life defined by hard work and pride in doing things the right way, spending much of his career at Staber Meats, along with time at Sioux Bee Honey and Braunger Foods, ultimately returning to Stabers to help drive its growth. In every position, he made things better…never cutting corners. His children learned work ethic not from words, but by working beside him. 

Tim had a deep passion for training dogs and competing in field trials, training a national champion bird dog and even traveling to Korea. He supported that passion by working as a farrier on weekends, creating years of memories filled with long road trips and early mornings with his children. In his younger years, he also played traveling fast pitch softball, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. He would always tell of the first time he stepped on the pitcher’s mound and threw a no hitter in his very first game. 

Tim was first married to Loretta (Greiner) Howard, the mother of his children Sara, Elisabeth, and Tim. He later married the love of his life, Sara, in 2004. He embraced her son, Walter, as his own from a young age, and together they were blessed with their daughter, Kaylie. Being a father was his greatest pride. Tim and Sara also worked side by side for many years. 

Tim was known for his magnetic personality, and sense of humor. He was genuine, fun, and drew people in everywhere he went. He took pride in his friendships, valuing honesty, loyalty, and character. 

His generosity showed up in quiet, constant ways - supporting others, helping young athletes, and making people feel cared for. As a coach, he made every day special, often starting with coffee and ending with ice cream, always on him. 

He loved sports, coaching, listening to music, and the outdoors. He had many hobbies including leather work, knife making, drawing, writing, dog training, and playing guitar. He found peace in deer hunting and connection in the friendships he built everywhere - from the ball field to his regular stop at Scooter’s Coffee. His dog, Lola, was never far from his side. 

In April 2024, Tim was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He faced it with strength, grit, and determination, showing up every day with a positive attitude. He never complained and never let others carry what he quietly bore. The words “I can’t” were simply not part of who he was. 

Above all, Tim was an extraordinary father. His children never questioned his love - he was their constant, their foundation, and their greatest supporter. 

In his final chapter, his wife stepped up selflessly and carried him with the most loving care and positivity. Ensuring his life was worth living and special to the end. He also received the most wonderful care and devotion from his mother, Sharon, which meant more than words can express. Her presence, love, and daily support brought him comfort and strength, and will forever be held with deep gratitude by his family. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sara; his children Sara “Bear” Heiner (Ian Cardona), Elisabeth “Lizard” Heiner (Derek Whelchel), Tim “T” Heiner (Brenna Rogers), Walter “Walaboo” Messerlie (Anna), and Kaylie “Ninny” Heiner; his grandchildren Quinn (Q) and Nadia (Nods) Cardona, Kendall (Kendall Bears, Eli, and Owen Whelchel, and Eleanor Messerlie; his mother, Sharon; and his siblings Tony (Janette) Heiner, Tammy (Jerome)Bunkers, Tracy Heiner, and Tristan (Travis) Pyzel. He had many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly as well. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Heiner; his adopted brother, Russell Heiner; and other special people in his life. 

Tim’s life was something rare - full of love, laughter, grit, and unwavering presence. He didn’t just love his family - he showed up for them, every single day. That is how he will be remembered. That is how he will be missed. And that is the legacy he leaves behind.