Marion Ellis Heim, 87, died June 13, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society- Hutchinson Village. He was born October 9, 1937, to Robert Henry and Ina (Borders) Heim. In 1961, he married Donna Kay Brack in Hutchinson. They later divorced but remained friends.
Marion was a man with many interests. He earned a Bachelor of Education degree through Kansas State University and Emporia State University. For many years he was a teacher, spending most of that time working for USD #444 (Little River-Windom). He enjoyed teaching middle school and is remembered fondly by his former students. After more than two decades in education, he retired. But he did not slow down.
Marion always helped manage his parent’s farm and later built a cozy log cabin on the property so that he could farm full-time. He could grow just about anything, and people enjoyed buying the corn, tomatoes, and watermelon that came from the farm. Marion also had a way with animals. Most of his childhood photos show him with chickens, horses, or cows from the farm. All dogs adored him, and he loved them too.
Marion might have been a familiar face to anyone who attended the Kansas State Fair. For more than 40 years he was a fixture in the 4-H building, supervising and maintaining exhibits and competitions.
Sports were a constant in his life. Marion always bought season tickets for Hutchinson Community College Basketball, he loved attending Blue Dragons games with friends, and spent years running the concessions for the Sports Arena. If he knew a former student was playing in a tournament, he made a point to show his support.
Undoubtedly, Marion is known to most as Coach Heim. It would be impossible to name all of the teams he formed over the decades, and just as impossible to name all of the players he coached. There were several girls' and women's softball teams (through the 70s and beyond) and then basketball teams (in his later years). He coached multiple teams to state, regional, and a few times, even national championships. He was fiercely proud of his players, his teams, and his own accomplishments as Coach Heim.
Marion is survived by his children, Tamyra Heim of Lawrence, KS, and Scott Heim of Boston, MA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Joe Henry), and his ex-wife, Donna.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Inman North Cemetery, Inman. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.