Christ N. Heiser was born on December 28, 1929, in Manning to John and Katie Heiser. As newborn infants Chris and twin Barbara were taken by horsedrawn sleigh to their farm home near Grassy Butte. He always attributed this tough start as the reason he was able to overcome medical issues later in life. He was raised on the family farm near Grassy Butte and attended area schools. He learned to work hard early in life. His brother-in-law told him he was doing a man’s job by the time he was seven years old.
Chris married Mildred Metz in 1949. They were parents of six children: Christ Jr., Roger, Jim, Karen, Randy, and Janet. Christ Jr. and Roger died in infancy.
Christ and Mildred later divorced. Christ married Ilene Hagen in 1974. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage later this year.
Chris worked many different jobs in his early years but always wanted to be a farmer. In 1963 he bought his farm near Grassy Butte and remained there until he retired in 2013.
In later years he worked as a McKenzie County Deputy. He always carried Tootsie Roll pops and would hand them out to kids in area schools or kids whose parents Got a traffic ticket! He loved helping people whether it was changing a tire, pulling someone out of a snowbank (he did that many times) or fixing a stalled vehicle.
He was the go-to guy when area neighbors needed someone to do chores while they were away or pull a calf, chase down runaway bulls or help with branding. He loved horses, dogs, (we had many rescue dogs), snowmobiling and hunting in early years and farming all through his life.
In 2013 he retired, and he and Ilene bought a place in Dickinson on Palm Beach Road. He loved living there and was so blessed to have wonderful neighbors (thanks especially to Joe and Dan). He enjoyed going to Country Kitchen for breakfast every other day and Sunday drives with Ilene with his beloved dog Daisy on his lap. He loved Strawberry shakes and had one every day towards the end of his life. He also loved watching rodeos and polka shows on RFD tv. His Catholic faith was very important to him. He had a deep faith in God. He watched Mass on EWTN whenever he could. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly and loved hearing about their lives.
Christ died on June 22, 2024, at St. Benedict’s Health Center Dickinson. He will be forever missed by his wife Ilene, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He is survived also by his brother, Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents, nine brothers and five sisters and two infant sons.
Thanks also to Christ’s nephew, Ken Heiser and sister-in-law, Jane Heiser for their friendship and help through the years.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
Sit down in your favorite chair with your favorite beverage and listen to Elvis Presley ‘s rendition of “MY Way” on Youtube. That’s Christ!!
