Phyllis W. Hietman

Phyllis W. Heitman was born on November 10, 1920 to William and Grace (Valiant) Meagher in Lucerne, South Dakota where she was raised. She attended grade school in Lucerne and high school in Philip, South Dakota, where she graduated in 1939. On November 18, 1941 Phyllis was united in marriage to Ludwig “Louie” Heitman at the St. Mary Catholic Church rectory in Philip. At this time Louie was serving in the United States Army. Louie was stationed several places throughout his stateside service. As a war-bride, Phyllis moved often to be near Louie. During her husband’s time in the service, Phyllis was employed with Boeing where she developed an interest in aviation. She piloted several trips to the sky only to end up a couple hours short of receiving her pilot’s license. Upon Louie’s honorable discharge the couple returned to Philip. In the 1950’s, they moved to Luverne, Minnesota and in 1956 they moved to Hardwick, Minnesota where the couple raised their four children. Phyllis worked for 40 years at the Green Lantern in Hardwick where she was known for her good cooking and excellent homemade pies. Louie preceded her in death on February 11, 2002. Phyllis continued to reside in their home in Hardwick until October of 2010 when she entered Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, Minnesota. On Sunday, January 23, 2011 she passed away at Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 13 days.

Phyllis was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Luverne. She had a shared passion for gardening with her husband Louie. She enjoyed growing flowers, vegetables and canning. Phyllis will be remembered for telling it like it is - she always got straight to the point. She had a spitfire way about her but also a soft heart. She went through life always giving of herself to others and had the utmost devotion and love for her family.

Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her four children, Pat Gundlach and her husband Bob of Lone Rock, WI, Bill Heitman and his wife Betty of Blaine, MN, Bob Heitman and his wife Jenny of Hardwick, and Bruce Heitman and Sharon Eining of Sioux Falls, SD; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Alan Meagher of Hardwick, and James Meagher and his wife Mildred of Mitchell, SD; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; her parents; and her brothers, Robert, Earl and Leonard Meagher.