Marian (Schmotter) Heider

Marian Heider, age 98 of Ravenna Township, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday morning, March 29, 2019. Marian Cecilia, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Rapp) Gilsdorf, was born on September 20, 1920, on the family farm in Millville, Minnesota. She first attended rural country school and later graduated from Central High School in St. Paul with the class of 1939. On August 2, 1940, she was united in marriage to Harold Schmotter. Together, they enjoyed farming, raising their children, and being foster parents to many children for years prior to his passing in July of 1976. Marian later married Joseph Heider on July 8, 1978, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings. They enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Webster, Wisconsin, and many winters in Lakeland, Florida together before Joes passing in 2011. Marian was a very ambitious and outgoing lady that loved taking care of children in need. Over the years, she fostered countless children. With her love of music, Marian enjoyed being part of a Kitchen Band that would travel around entertaining and visiting senior living facilities. She also enjoyed playing cards, golfing, snowmobiling, and most of all, spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael; siblings, Ray, Bob, and Helen Bies; grandson, Tom Schmotter Jr.; and by both of her spouses, Harold and Joseph. Marian is survived by her loving children, Tom Schmotter Sr., Jeanne (Dennis) Lindberg, Carol Schmotter, Jan (Dan) Langenfeld, Theresa Schmotter; and Jim (Nancy) Schmotter; grandchildren, Gwen (Tim), Cindy, Bob (Marilyn), Joe, Kim, Laurie (Dave), Christine (James), Patrick, Michael, Rosalind (Michael), Noah (Danielle), Cory (Stacey), Luke (Sarah), Jackie (Jason), Staci (Jeff), Jacob (Melissa), Benjamin, Katie (Heath), Laura, Caleb, and Mackenzie; many great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Joanne (Gary) McNamara; her dog, Tammy; and by many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Marians Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 14, 2019, at the new location of Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, in Hastings, with Gordon Gathright officiating. Private family interment will be held at St. Patricks Catholic Cemetery in West Albany, rural Wabasha County. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and to a reception immediately following the service, all at the funeral home on Sunday. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.