Imagine a woman so brave and so strong who passed away on a cold November day. She inspired all who knew her throughout her life and during her war against glioblastoma (brain cancer). Teresa Lynn Heitman, age 57, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin left us on November 23, 2013.
Memorial services will be 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
A Celebration Of Life Party will also be held on Sunday, December 8th, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Cedar Shack in Adams, Wisconsin with a program at 3:00 p.m.
Teresa was born December 11, 1955 in Portage, Wisconsin to Robert R. and Lorna (Kurth) Heitman.
She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1974. She was an assistant manager at the Winnebago Gift Shop for 32 years. She was then employed as a teller at the Bank of Wisconsin Dells.
Imagine a woman who made a difference to so many. She loved everything about life. One of her biggest joys was riding on the back of a Harley on a warm summer’s day. Her family and many friends were always close to her heart. Many things brought her happiness including raising German Shepards (all animals really), her Sunshine Boy, the Green Bay Packers, UWRF Falcon Hockey, bling, shopping, teddy bears, tractors, flags, bacon, pie, Pirate Shots and her Garden of Life.
She didn’t just go to the party… she was the party… “Love you more!” Imagine Teresa!
Teresa was preceded in death by Mother, Lorna Heitman (1988); Grandparents, Martin & Elsie Heitman and Clarence & Belva Kurth; Sister-in-law, Diane Heitman and Aunt, Carol Edwards.
Survivors:
Father: Robert R. Heitman of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin
Sister: Karen (Ron Jordi) Heitman of Friendship, Wisconsin
Sister: Debra (Steve) Freeman of River Falls, Wisconsin
Brother: Richard Heitman of Wausau, Wisconsin
Brother: Michael (Cheri) Heitman of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Beloved nephews: Christopher Heitman of Wausau, Wisconsin
Logan Heitman of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Boyfriend: Mike Halcarz of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Beloved Friend: Pam Collar of Baraboo, Wisconsin
Teresa’s family would like to thank all of her doctors, nurses, hospice and her special caregiver, Cheri.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the Humane Society.
To the family of Teresa Heitman,
So very sorry to hear of the terrible loss of Teresa. She was a beautiful, loving and caring soul. Her infectious smile and wonderful outlook on life was unprecedented. She could make you feel like it was just yesterday when she saw you last , even if it had been years. Her sincerity was truly felt. The tenacity, strength and courage of souls like Teresa, who are under such great duress yet still maintain their upbeat attitude, amazes me. What an example for us all to try to follow. May the strength that she possessed give you courage to maintain through this most difficult time. She will always be with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Klein, Paul and Kimberly
I am so sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. I had not seen her in years but always thought she was so full of life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Heitman family,
We extend our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Teresa was a dear and wonderful classmate for 13 years at Castle Rock and A-F. I also enjoyed the times we were able to reconnect in later years. She could always make me smile and will be so greatly missed.
Chuck
My sincere sympathy to the Heitman family. I will always remember whenever I saw Teresa she had a smile on her face. If we could only say that about everyone what a better world this would be!
So glad we were all able to enjoy the spirits of the mountains this summer. We will deeply miss you.
Our deepest regrets to the Heitman family!
Love, Shelley, Eric and Avery
Love, prayers , condolences to the entire Heitman family. The loss of someone like Theresa leaves a big hole in the heart…she is now with the others who have gone before where there is no pain – she will help provide the sunshine! The warmth of her memories will always be close – they stay in our hearts forever. Sincerely, Dorothy, Eric, David and Brian
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Teresa’s family and many friends. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way
Teresa has joined many of our loved ones, I imagine her loving mom, Lorna, with her wings wrapped around Teresa welcoming her to a place of ‘no pain’. Teresa fought hard with a bravery beyond belief. The proof of how Teresa touched so many is here in all of these beautiful sentiments. She has left many wonderful memories for so many. I have always kept all of you close to my heart; God Bless Teresa and her caring family; Bob, Rick, Karen and Ron, Deb and Cub, Mike and Cheri. You all have made Teresa’s last years special for her, the loved you showed is beyond words. Take care of each other. Much Love to you ALL!!
Bill, Sandy, Walker and Sarena
Our hearts go out to all the family. Teresa was so full of life and energy, will always remember that laugh and beautiful smile.
Our love and sympathy,
Lori and Greg Loney and family
To the Heitman family my codolences go out to all. I was very blessed to know Theresa. She was a very brave and strong person. Everytime I saw her she always had a smile on her face which made everyone around her smile. She will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Teresa ..She will be missed by so many but never forgotten…A friend to me who truly was one of the nicest most sincere people I had the pleasure of meeting. Love you Ms. Teresa…xxoo
You were a beautiful woman inside and out..spread your wings and fly now! You are free from all your pain and suffering..We will always be reminded of you with the beautiful sunsets, they are as bright as your smile has always been, you light up our lives! Love always, the Kurth’s
Our sincerest condolences to your family. It was always a pleasure to run in to Theresa with her great smile and engagement. We will truly miss her and think of her often. God Bless all of you.
A true angel-always a smile and kind word–a willing hand to help an oldster like me climb the stairs. She was one grand gal who couldn’t help but pass on her positive attitude plus her humor. My sympathy to all of the family.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Teresa’s family and friends……we hope the memories of her kind and gentle spirit, and the beauty of that ever-present smile ease your pain and comfort you in the days ahead.
With all my heart I’ll miss you Teresa, Love GE
Heaven now has our smiling, loving & courageous Teresa. She was so strong & determined to beat her cancer & never let it get her down. She will be deeply missed, but remember she is now in the arms of her mother & Our Lord. Teresa was part of our family & always will be. Our deepest sympathy to all of the Heitman Family & know that she loved you all so much. Carmen & Jim
To the Heitman Family, I am so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. I remember the first time I met her was cleaning out a field so it could be planted. She will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
To Teresa’s family:
Imagine if we all could have been like Teresa. What a wonderful world this would be! Her laugh, smile, hugs, and love for her family and friends is something we will never forget. Thank you for sharing her with our family for so many years. We will remember the great times and fun we shared together. She will always be our “AUNT TERESA”.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Janis and Kent
Teresa fought her cancer battle gallantly with her smiley positive attitude. I will never forget the lessons & inspiration she tried to share with the MS students that day Mikaila so selfishly shaved her head to help Teresa. Her family has cared for her so lovingly and unselfishly! God has taken away her pain and may God ease your pain with the many wonderful memories. Please feel free to ask us for help with anything, anytime! Your family is very special to us. One of our first dates was a party with the Heitmans!! Love & prayers to you all. Rock & Dawn Stone & sons
I had the wonderful honor of meeting Teresa at a Falcon hockey game. Her lovely sister, Deb, and I are friends and co-workers. I can honestly say I was inspired by Teresa’s genuine love of life and positive outlook on everything!! I went away feeling better about myself and the world around me because of her. I will always remember how Deb’s face lit up whenever Teresa was mentioned or came to visit. God truly has gained another angel. May peace and your happiest memories be with you in the days, months and years to come. My sympathies to the entire family.
My condolences to the family,for the lord has a new angel
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers to the family and friends
On behalf of myself and my mother DD Lalicata we are saddened by the loss of Teresa. I know her love for Shepherds was amazing I have “contessa Ava Von schmeckl” and she is wonderful. Maybe Teresa and my dad will meet up in heaven and play with some puppies:) Teresa was loved and spoken so highly of from lots of my aunts too (the Herriot girls). Xoxo
So sorry to hear of Teresa’s terrible illness and death. I have not seen her since high school but was struck by that beautiful smile in the picture above and it just immediately brought back to me what a wonderful smile and personality she had back in school. From these tributes, I see that her lovely spirit just grew and blossomed through the years. Condolences to all her family and friends.
My deepest sympathy to the Heitmans and Pam in the loss of this brave and beautiful woman. She made everyday a Festive day for those who knew her! Now pain free and able to touch the face of Jesus with both her hands!
Richard and Pauline Shobaken
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you peace. Teresa was a wonderful girl. She always had a kind word to say.
Dearest Heitman Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Teresa – she was truly amazing. God Bless her in Heaven – where she was admitted with open arms. God Bless you all on her loss. She loved you all very much and was sorry to leave you. She lives in all of you.. I was gifted by God for having been her friend,
Love Dorothy
Sending my sympathy to the Heitman family. You have all been through so much in a short period of time. Teresa was a strong willed person as are the rest of you. Time will heal the pain but the memories will live on forever. You have helped her through rough times and now she will watch over all of you. She will be missed by all.
Our deepest condolences to the Heitman family. Theresa will be missed by many but will live in our hearts. She is in a much better place where her condition no longer exist. She always made everybody a better person.
What’s so special about Theresa was that she never thought of herself as ‘special’; she treated people the way she thought all people should be treated. If she could read these comments, she would honestly be surprised to think she’d inspired so many, because she was just being herself… loving and living life with an intensity that most people can’t achieve. Sending thoughts of comfort and peace to all that had the honor of knowing her–
I hope her pain has finally ended, even thou yours has just begun. Teresa was a person beyond description of mere words. She lit up the room when she walked in and will obviously do the same in heaven. Because of her, the sun will shine a little brighter. May she rest in peace and may you find comfort in all the amazing memories that you will hold so dear.
What a tremendous loss for us all. Teresa was like having your own piece of the Sun in the room with you, always bright, always warm and gave you a wonderful feeling by just being around her. I am thankful to have always had Teresa in my life and all the Heitman girls as role models to look up to, in my eyes, you are all so beautiful and I always wished I could be you. We am so very sad for you Bob, Mike, Deb, Karen & Rick & Mike, and we will never forget Teresa and her fun-loving spirit and ready smile and gentle nature.
Shelley, Ken, Ryan & Jordan Kroupa
We will all miss her beautiful smile !!! She was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed… deepest sympathy to your family !!!!!
Oh, we will miss your infectious smile and laugh Teresa! May your “happy go lucky” journey continue!
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends that have always supported her (sometimes teasingly :))and give them the strength during these challenging times to focus on Teresa’s mantra of always seeing the best in people and her spirited fun and caring love for all (even big German dogs and little Min Pins).
God Bless you Teresa!
Aaron and Rita
Our deepest sympathy to Teresa’s Family, We know there are no words of comfort that can ease the pain you are feeling at the loss of your loved one. God Bless.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Heitman Family. I have only met Teresa a few times but in those times I could tell how loving and uplifting she was. She made me feel like I was a long time friend instead of someone she had just met. Her strength was something to be admired and cherished. She will truly be missed and my prayers are with all of you. GOD Bless
I am so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. A bright light has died.. She was a great person. I remember her from school . Big smile and her eyes just sparkled. I know she is in the arms of the Lord no longer having to fight . Rest in Peace Teresa. May God comfort your family and keep them safe.
I never met Teresa, but I work with her lovely sister, Deb. The joy that would come across Deb’s face when talking about her sister was truly unique. I pray for comfort and peace for the rest of this family and dear friends of Teresa’s. May you find refuge in knowing someday you will see her again.
I didn’t know Teresa all that well, but we had our love of dogs in common, so we always had alot to talk about when we would cross paths! What a wonderful and kind soul she was. Her gorgeous smile was contagious and full of love for all. And even though we knew her fight was a tough one, she was always very positive, with a hopeful heart. She was a great inspiration to all!
My sincere Condolances to her family and loved ones. And to Pam, I know she loved you with all her heart, always spoke about you with a ‘twinkle’ in her eye 😉 Love and Peace to you all..
A very bright light in this world has gone out but now she will brighten the next one. Teresa, you are an inspiration to us all.
My deepest sympathy to the family an friends. I am so honored to have gotten to know Teresa she truly is a remarkable woman. She will be missed deeply. An God has one wonderful an loving Angel with him now. My condolences to the Heitman Family
God Bless
Angie
To the Heitman Family: A short while ago Teresa asked us if there was anything we wanted to tell Rodney when she got to heaven. Can you imagine anyone being that thoughtful and kind. Out prayers are with her family. Call if we can help please.
It was truly an honor to be a friend of Teresa. She was such an inspiration to all who knew her. May she rest in peace. My condolences to the Heitman family.
Jeanne D’Amour
Our deepest sympathy. Will miss her greatly.
We will miss her sweet smile so sorry for your loss!
Teresa was truly an Angel. I will miss her at Packer playoff games, St Pat bus trips and many other events. She was such a sweetie. I will miss her more than words can say. Her courage was an inspiration. My prayers are with her and her family and friends.
Our prayers are with the entire Heitman family at this time. Teresa’s smile
always brightened the room. Her determination was so strong that we were praying
she might just beat this disease. Your family has touched our lives in so many ways
thru the years. May God be with each of you as you go thru this difficult time.
We are saddened to hear of her passing. She was a special person to us. Whenever we went to the dells we always went to the winnebago to visit her and my aunt pam. Then later on, when she got sick, we would ask about her alot. We as a family with to send our heartfelt condolences to the Heitman family.
To the entire Heitman family, To have had a daughter, sister, sister in-law and aunt, who was able to brighten a moment with a smile that could not be matched, has to give you comfort that she was Loved by so many. Her ability to show strength when she had to have been so weak, is truly a tribute to a most remarkable woman. Your Love for her is only second to the Love she had for her most caring family and friends. May you now know that she has received her “Reward”. One that God promises all of us. There is no doubt in my mind who it was that welcomed her “Home”. May you have comfort in knowing that. Love, Todd and Vonnie
Imagine, a cute little blonde girl, growing into a pretty vibrant teen, and transforming into one of the most awesome, compassionate, caring. personable people I’ve ever known. When they say Imagine Teresa this is how I “Imagine” her. The St Pat’s day bus trips will never be forgotten, along with our Mardi Gras road trip. Always smiling and positive through thick and thin She’d say I love you, I’d say I love you too and her response was always “I love you more”. My sympathy to Bob, Rick, Karen, Deb, Mike, “Carz” and all the family. Special thoughts to Cheri for caring for her as you did. We’ll miss her so much.
Pat & Tom
The memories of Teresa will lift us up, make us cry, make us laugh, and get us to tell more stories. She was that important in so many of our lives. She fought with a smile on her face and her great attitude illuminated where ever she went. Teresa I will miss you. To Bob, Rick, Karen, Deb, and Mike and the rest of the Heitman family-Big hugs to you all. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep those memories close they will help the healing. Love you all very much.
I just heard and am so very sorry for your loss. ..she was just awesome and she will be missed by so many.
I had only met Teresa a couple times when she would visit her sister Deb. Every time I saw her she had a smile on her face. My prayers go out to her family and friends. I know she was dearly loved and will be missed.
Our sympathy goes out to her family, Mike Halcarz and her best friend Pam. I know she fought a courageous battle with a smile on her face and concern for her family and friends that she left behind. All of us will meet again Teresa and we will see that smile again. It has been a pleasure knowing you as a kind and gentle woman. We will miss you.
Dear Family and Friends~ I only came to know Teresa these last few months at the Lake Delton Clinic where I worked, she was one of the most appreciative and sweet patients I had gotten to know in the short time our paths crossed! She was a courageous fighter and may she be partying hardy and holding the fort down till you all meet again! Bless you Teresa!
Our thoughts are with Teresa’s family and many friends –we will surely miss her sunshine smile!
My sympathy to the Heitman family. I have many fond, happy memories of Teresa. Like so many others have said the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Teresa is her smile. She always had one for you. She will be greatly missed by so many. I feel better knowing she is now with the Lord, pain free with her beautiful smile watching over us all. I pray this will help all of her family also.
Dear Heitman Family, We are so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. She was such a happy, friendly person. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Dear Bob, Richard, Karen, Deb, and Mike,
I’m so sorry to hear about Teresa. I have such fond memories of all of you and when I think of Teresa, I especially remember her trusting nature and kind, kind heart. And, of course, that smile! She is much loved and will be sorely missed. Peace and comfort to you and yours.
Teresa was a wonderful person always had a smile on her face she will be truely missed by everyone but she is now a true angel along with her mom looking down on us all .Condolences to the Heitman family
To the Heitman Family, Teresa was a wonderful loving caring and giving person. She will be missed greatly.
But I know she is up in heaven now with her mom and all the special people that have been
taken from us too soon. She is making all of them happy in her special way. Love you Teresa!
Her tenacity and determination are to be admired. She leaves many good memories with all of us. Our sincere sympathy to Teresa’s entire family.
Our sympathy to Teresa’s family at this sad time. We are thinking of you.
Her smile and warm greetings will be missed, she is smiling down on us. Condolences to the Heitman Family.
Our sincere condolences to Teresa’s family. Teresa gave her all to fighting this disease, in the hopes that the research would help someone, if it could not be herself. Heaven has a new smiling angel.
We will miss the sunshine that Teresa brought to every gathering. She was one of a kind and left behind many smiles and stories to keep us company until we see her again.
I am so sorry for your loss, Teresa is in a better place now.
I know she fought this disease with courage, and the strength of her family and friends.
With our deepest sympathy Marv Grefe and Paul Grefe
It will be hard to imagine a world without Teresa in it. I, too am among the lucky ones who got to spend time with her and her
family and I am just stunned. Even though I knew how sick she was, there was still this belief in the back of my head that said, nah, this will never get the best of her. She is much too strong. Well, even as mightily as she fought, the disease prevailed. I am so
happy to have known her, and to have spent time with her and her wonderful family. She was one of those people who gave WAY more than she got, and she will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to her family.
Dear Friends
My Sympathy to all. Teresa was a wonderful person and I consider myself lucky to have known her. I have some wonderful memories of her and will treasure them. She was very strong and I will always be grateful for our last visit. She will be missed by many. You are in my prayers. I am sorry I will be out of town at the time of the service but will be with you in my thoughts.
Take care and remember all the memories she has given us.
Bev Ward
Bob, Richard, Karen, Deb and Mike.
My deepest regrets to all of you. Just know that Teresa is now in a better place. I always enjoyed visiting with Teresa when I got back to Wisconsin. Once at the Gift shop, she was down in basement when I called down, is anyone here. Her quick response came back up. Just take what you want! She was a great person with a great wit.
One of the many wonderful things about Teresa is that she always treated those who knew her as if he or she was very special to her. That was one of her gifts to each of us. She is and will be truly deeply missed. Thank you all for loveing her and sharing her.
Our Sympathy goes out to the entire family of Tersa. She was a wonderful person always full of sun shine. She will be missed.
What a beautiful woman Teresa is, and one of the most beautiful souls I had ever met. She may have left this earth but never our hearts. May all who knew and loved her take comfort in knowing, she is at peace. Our heavily father, God almighty has taken her to paradise. Trust in that, she is smiling her radiant smile and the sufferings of this life is over.
Teresa fought a great battle. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
Our sympathy to Teresa’s friends and family. She is home now…pain free and with the Lord.
Theresa was the most wonderful person in the world. Super inspirational and the happest person u could ever meet. When dad, mom or I felt down because of mom being sick with cancer Theresa always some how lifted our spirits with positive thoughts. We are so very greatful to have Theresa as the greatest friend ever. We will always love and appreciate u Theresa. Party like a rock star in heaven because they certainly got the greatest gift ever. Love U always the Coon Family.
My Sympathy to the entire family,she was a wonderful friend and also I worked with Teresa for about 4 years at Winnebago gift shop ,She was a pleasure to work with and talk with, she will be missed by many,may she now be with God and rest in peace. Barbara Tolley and Family
sending my condolences to her family she will be missed
My deepest sympathy to the family! She was a wonderful woman who will deeply be missed!
Teresa fought hard to beat this disease always being brave and showing her strength. I marveled at her courage. Ihope she is now truly at peace. Our condolences to the entire Heitman family.
George and Wendy Ritchie.