Memorial

Sonya Iannone Heilmann, 54, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on July 13, 2025, after a brief illness. Born November 12, 1970, to Liberato and Dolores Iannone. 

Sonya lived a life full of passion, service, and love. A proud 1989 graduate of Culver Academy High School, Sonya joined the Girls Equestrian Team and had the honor of riding in the Inaugural Parade as part of the first class of young women alongside the Black Horse Troop. This experience sparked her lifelong admiration for the military. She went on to earn her degree from Lake Forest College in Illinois in 1993. In 1999, Sonya joined the Air Force, serving with distinction as a Logistics Readiness Officer  among the medals awarded to Sonya she received Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Commendation Medal and was Honorably Discharged as a Captain in 2007. 

On Dec 15, 2002, Sonya married Andrew Terrance Heilmann, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago IL. 

As a devoted wife and mother, she poured her heart into raising their daughter, Olivia, always wanting the very best for her. Settling into family life, Sonya found joy in training corgis, particularly her beloved black-and-white companion, Jock. Together, they volunteered with The Pet Partners Organization, bringing comfort and smiles to patients at the University of Iowa Hospital, where Jock soaked up the love. An avid reader and writer, Sonya’s sharp mind and creative spirit shone through in everything she did. A faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Sonya was deeply devoted to her faith.

Sonya is survived by her loving husband Andrew; their cherished daughter, Olivia; her parents, Liberato Iannone M.D. and Dolores Iannone, Birmingham, AL; her siblings, Timothy (Evonne) Wesley Chapel FL, Christopher (Dianne) Castle Rock CO, Sophia Birmingham AL, Joseph (Priscila) Austin TX, and Alexander (Lori) Birmingham AL; her in-laws, Harry and Silvia Heilmann; and many nieces, nephews, an uncle, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, an uncle, and an aunt. 

Sonya’s infectious energy, boundless love, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on in Olivia, whom she cherished above all, and in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and spirit. 

A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home, 4200 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 857 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, with Rev. Aaron Junge presiding. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa, where full Military Honors will be conducted. Msgr Frank Bognanno is presiding.