Bunice Darlene Heidtke

Monday, September 12, 2016 4:36 pm

Bunice Darlene Heidtke, 81, of Decorah, passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Pastor Amy Larson officiating. Visitation began Monday at 10 a.m., one hour before the service, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to WMC Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.  Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah served the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Pastor Amy Larson officiating Visitation began Monday at 10 a.m., one hour before the service, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Ave., Decorah, IA 52101 or the donor’s favorite charity.

Bunice was born Jan. 22, 1935, in Fulda, Minn., to John and Clara (Goeken) Danneman, and graduated from Fulda High School with the class of 1952. She went on to attend Wartburg College where she graduated with a degree in parish work. Bunice married Ray Heidtke of Fountain, Minn. in 1957, and together they raised three daughters: Sandra (Rob) Larson of Decorah, Lisa (Jim) Schlotterback and Sonya (Ron) Huesman, both of Mounds View, Minn. Ray passed away Nov. 15, 2013. Bunice had eight grandchildren: Karlton, Kelsie and Patrick Larson, Ryan and Laura Schlotterback and Mikayla, Kylie and Matthew Huesman. She loved her children and grandchildren very much and was extremely supportive of them in all their activities. Bunice was an accomplished organist, and contributed to the worship music of all of the parishes where Ray was pastor. She also worked throughout her life; her last position was as Clerk of Court in the Barnes County court system in Valley City, N.D. In later years, her biggest pleasure came from her grandchildren. She baked them cookies and bars, attended endless school events and sent emails to cheer them on and congratulate them on their accomplishments. They all knew Grandma thought of them and prayed for them daily.

She is survived by her loving family, along with her sister Elaine Alt from Custer, S.D., and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Bunice was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Delbert Danneman; and one sister, Edith Brinkman.