Corey Don Heiting, a beloved son, father, husband, brother, uncle, and nephew, passed away at his home in Spearfish, SD, on July 18, 2025. He was born at Chadron Hospital on September 14, 1984, to Brett and Marlene (Pieper) Heiting. Corey grew up on a farm west of Hay Springs, NE, with his two brothers, Gregory and Anthony. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. He attended and graduated from Hay Springs Public Schools where he excelled in academics and athletics. Corey was a natural athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball throughout high school. He graduated as a valedictorian of his class at HSHS. Corey went on to attend and graduate Summa Cum Laude from Chadron State College.
Corey married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Valentine. Together they have three children, Haylon Anthony, Myah Mae, and Colton Don. Corey’s children were his greatest joy and achievement. Corey enjoyed nothing more than going to his children’s sporting events. He was so proud of his son, Haylon, for achieving his dream of playing baseball and receiving a scholarship to college. Corey made friends wherever he went. He made many friends through following and supporting Myah’s traveling softball and basketball teams. He has passed on his video game expertise, as well as his quick wit, to his son, Colton. The family’s Sunday ritual was watching movies together; Corey could quote any movie and loved many genres of music.
Because of his work ethic and drive, Corey achieved every goal he set for himself. He began his career at Walmart during his college years and because of that drive, he excelled and was successful in his role as comanager and manager of four different Walmart stores. Corey received recognition for his 20 years of employment at Walmart, of which he was very proud. This opportunity led him to make his home in Spearfish, SD. Corey loved the many outdoor activities offered in Spearfish, such as hiking Crow Peak. Barb would encourage the family to go for exercise; Corey went to enjoy the scenery, while the kids were reluctantly dragged along. Spearfish quickly became home, and Corey made many good friends in Spearfish.
Corey will be remembered for his genuine heart, infectious laugh, and always taking care of others. He worked hard but always found joy in the simple things in life. He never came to Hay Springs without stopping to get Common Cents’ Nachos. He loved planning and traveling to new places, helping his dad and brothers round up cattle, driving four-wheelers, and watching and talking about sports. Corey loved traveling with family and friends. His love of the Huskers ran so deep he continued to have Husker football parties even after moving out of state. Corey enjoyed discussing and analyzing football, basketball, and baseball games with his brothers, whether it be college games or his own children’s and nephews’ and nieces’ games. Corey also enjoyed planning and designing homes. He was the general contractor for their current home, planning, overseeing the building process, and making it his home.
Corey will be remembered as an amazing son, father, husband, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. He was just simply the BEST and his memory will live on in everyone who knew and loved him.
Corey is survived by his wife, Barbara Heiting; children, Haylon, Myah, and Colton Heiting; his parents, Brett and Marlene Heiting; mother-in-law, Tina Vifquain; step father in-law, Paul Vifquain; brothers, Greg (Megan) and Tony (Kyli) Heiting; brother in-laws, Jake Valentine and Shane Vifquain; sister-in-law, Bethany Vifquain; nephews and nieces, Brayden, Barrett, Brooks, Bryant, Addison, Alise, and Declan Heiting, Kendyl Valentine, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Corey was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Shirley Heiting, and Bernard and Jeannie Pieper.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Countryside Church in Spearfish, SD, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Brown of Saint Paul Lutheran Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Corey Heiting Spearfish Softball Scholarship Fund or an education fund for Corey’s children.