With the humble acceptance of God’s will we announce the passing of both Mercedes C. Heyrman and her husband James F. Heyrman. James Fabian Heyrman age 94 and his wife of 71 years, Mercedes Claire Heyrman (Olson) age 93, were both born into eternal life in 2022. James preceded Mercedes in death by 9 months. James passed on January 30, 2022, in Naples Florida. Mercedes passed on November 15, 2022, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. James and Mercedes were both born in Green Bay Wisconsin, where they met as children on the ice of the Fox River in De Pere. Their families were separated by the river, James growing up on the West side and Mercedes family, the Olson’s, lived on the East side. However, the frozen river created a winter passage where the families met and played winter games together along with many other children. A lifelong bond was created from early on. Their families played together, and all the siblings were friends. It was not until adulthood that the romantic connection was made. They fell in love and were married in 1951. They raised their family of 8 children in Allouez Wisconsin and later moved the Family to Elm Grove Wisconsin in 1969.
James worked as Vice President of Olson Transportation and later worked as Vice President at Schwerman Trucking Company in Milwaukee. He was a Former President of Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association. In 1973, James purchased MEE Material Handling Company in Milwaukee and later became MEE Enterprises a continuing enterprise. Mercedes, was a fulltime homemaker, raising 8 children. She later became an avid golfer and was Club Champion at Blue Mound Golf and Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Later, after becoming a snowbird in Naples Florida, she again became a Club Champion at The Club of Pelican Bay in Naples. James and Mercedes loved golf and it was a passion they shared together over their lifetimes. James and Mercedes lived full time in Naples Florida for the last 20 years.
James was preceded in death by his father Fabian, his mother Leona, and his sister Ann. He is survived by his brother Donald, Gerald (Kitty) and sister Mary Jane (Dolly) Van Sistine. Mercedes was preceded in death by her Father Herbert Olson, her mother Hazel, her brothers Herbert and Curtis, and her sister Judy (Nelson).
They are further survived by their children, Susan Roberts, Pamela Bourque, Gwen Wendland (Russel), Gregory Heyrman (Theresa), Mark Heyrman (Julie), John Heyrman, Diane Wimmer (David), and Julie Heyrman-Compernolle (Paul). In addition, they have 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Friends and acquaintances of the Heyrman/Olson family are respectfully invited to attend services of Mercedes to be held at the Basilica of Holy Hill Church on Friday November 25, 2022, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Hill Church in Hubertus, Wisconsin in Mercedes name. A Private celebration of life will take place at Schmidt-Bartlett Funeral Home, for immediate family members only.
