Service Information
Marilyn M. Heerdt, age 94, of Hector, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2019.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at 11:30 A.M. at New Life Community Church in Hector, Minnesota, with interment in the Hector City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019, from 4:30-7:30 P.M. at the Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector and will continue on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 10:30-11:30 A.M. at the church.
Obituary
Marilyn Heerdt was born on April 2, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Alfred E. and Ada Zarth Lundh. Marilyn moved to Hector in her early teens, where she met George W. Heerdt. Marilyn and George were married at the First Lutheran Church in Hector on September 7, 1947. Together they operated Heerdt Trucking and were blessed with seven children. They celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to George's passing in 2009.
Marilyn was active in her children's lives as a Girl Scout leader and attended their school and sporting events. After her children graduated and went off to college, Marilyn returned to school and earned her GED. She loved meeting people and learning about their life stories and was affectionately known as “Hector's Ambassador.” She was named Hector’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2010. Marilyn and George could often be found at area threshing bees, auctions, sales barns, and dances.
Marilyn was employed with the Buffalo Lake Health Care Center and cared for others, returning there in the fall of 2018 when it was her turn to receive that special care.
Music was a large part of Marilyn's legacy. She was a gifted pianist, playing “by ear” and entertaining at many community events. Every family gathering ended around the piano singing traditional songs of Christmas and the American West.
The family was everything to Marilyn and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marilyn led a strong spiritual life and prayed every evening for each of her children and everyone in their families.
Children: Carolyn (Randy) Gregg, Jane (Robert) DeAustin, Timothy (Stephanie), Thomas (Rebecca), Jeffrey (Anne), Steven (Mary); Grandchildren: Kristopher (Cindy) and Michael (Kim) DeAustin, Dustin Dittmer, Tyler (Karissa), Sarah, Marcus, Christina, Jennifer (Curi Lestrud) and Luke (Katie) Heerdt; and her Great-Grandchildren: Ashley, Brady, and Olivia DeAustin, Emma Berntson, Luna Lestrud, and Allison Dittmer.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, George, infant daughter Cathryn, and sisters and brother, Lorraine Qual, Delores Monson, Marguerite Rynearson, Carol Jean Lundh and Raymond Tegner.
Sherri Schulte says
Marilyn was such a special lady. She always made sure she had time to stop and visit. Enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with her. Such a sharp mind. My condolence to the family.
Larry Graf says
Have fond memories of Marilyn. She was a great supporter of the Luce Line Model Railroad Club. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Bonnie Dolney says
So sorry to hear!! She was such a great friend and we worked together at Buffalo Lake Home for many years. Enjoyed meeting her for am coffee until moving to South Dakota. Our sympathy to the family! George & Bonnie
Karen Raske says
My sympathy and prayers to the Heerdt family.
Lana Hable Balling says
Prayers for the Heerdt family at this sad time.
Louise Sulack (Hable) says
My thoughts and prayers are with the your family.
Louise Sulack (Hable)
Bonnie Haugen says
My sympathy to the Heerdt family on the loss of Marilyn. Fond memories.
Kathy Uecker says
My sympathy to Marilyn’s family. I enjoyed working with Marilyn for many years at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center. She was an awesome lady.
Cheryl Buboltz says
My sympathies to the Heerdt family. Marilyn always had time to chat and make people smile. She was very kind hearted and will be missed.
Sandy Grussing says
I’m so sorry I didn’t hear of Marilyn’s passing until now. Please accept my condolences. She was always so encouraging of my journalistic efforts and I appreciated the way she always made me feel like a friend.