Mary Lou Elizabeth Heinen

Mary Lou Elizabeth Heinen, age 86, of Waupun went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

Mary was born on April 18, 1938, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Seifert) Hackl. On February 18, 1972, she was united in marriage to Robert Heinen in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin.

Mary lived a life full of experiences and service to those around her. She grew up playing organ for the church and taking art lessons on the weekend. In high school she met Sheridan Sutherland whom she married and had her first child with, Jennifer. They later divorced. She started her nursing education at the Methodist Hospital Nursing School in Madison, WI. After 2 years nursing in Madison she moved to Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse where she served as head nurse in orthopedics and neurosurgery. It was there in 1965 that she met Robert Heinen, M.D. whom she would marry and have 2 children with, Matthew and Sarah. She would continue to do nursing at Robert’s practices, as well as writing and teaching nursing rehabilitation for Fox Valley Technical College.

Mary was always asking if you needed anything, and served her community through various endeavors. Teaching Sunday school, doing health screenings, volunteering as a librarian. Mary and Robert sponsored 20 Cambodian refugees, who became extended family to this day. As an expression of their gratitude, Mary and Robert were able to travel to China and take a Trans-Atlantic Mediterranean Cruise. They were also chosen to visit Russia and other European countries as WI medical representatives of President Eisenhower's People to People Program. Additionally, they were able to travel to Israel. They retired in Waupun, where Mary has stayed active in bible study and worship at Bethel Church. Mary was an avid sports enthusiast and fan as well as a voracious reader. She passed in her sleep due to heart problems that had been increasing over time.

Mary is survived by her husband, Robert Heinen, MD; children, Lori (Jeffrey) Noonan, Rev. Brian (Leah) Heinen, Jennifer (Randy) White, Matthew Heinen and Sarah Heinen; grandchildren, Dr. Benjamin (Jennifer) Noonan, Dan (Alison) Noonan, Timothy, MD (Laura) Noonan, Rebekah (Tim) Thorpe, Victoria (Noah) Greenawalt, Maria Heinen, Hannah (Dan) Demers and Joshua (Terra) White; 8 great grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, Joan (Gordon) Poad, Ruth (Michael) Moore and Joseph Jr. (Deb) Hackl. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun, WI 53963 and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 410 South West Street, Waupun, WI 53963.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Kurt Ritsema officiating.

For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/p/Bethel-Christian-Reformed-Church-100064800693624/ or at https://www.youtube.com/@bethelcrcwaupun5807