May 17, 2019 – Slinger, WI – Grace J. Heesen (nee Kirsch), 69, of Slinger, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 surrounded and comforted by her loving husband and her three children.
Grace was born on June 7, 1949 in St. Lawrence to Clement and Edna (nee Schulz) Kirsch. She was united in marriage to Dick Heesen on August 1, 1970 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
Grace did in-home childcare for many years. She then tried a variety of different jobs until she found the perfect fit with the team in Human Resources at Cedar Community. After working there for 17 years with a group who also became her treasured friends, she retired in 2011.
Her generosity coupled with her passion for shopping made her a most valued customer at many shops, flea markets and especially rummage sales. She had a passion for seasonal decorations and always had the best costumes. She especially loved attending her grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events. Amigo and Miss Piggy, Grace’s pet cats, are already missing her special attention.
She will also be missed by the recipients of her special “Blessing Bags”; Ziploc bags with a prayer card, a rosary, some cash and many simple personal hygiene articles that someone on the street might need. She distributed these on the way back from the casino regardless of how successful her day was.
Grace shared her incredible love for God with family, friends and her parish community.
Grace is survived by her loving husband Dick of 48 years, son Troy Heesen and his partner Joachim Kempin and daughters Wendy (Wes) DuBois, Heather (Ben) Rettler; grandchildren, Cameron, Clayton, Calvin, Kenzie, Xavier, and Isiah. Brothers and sisters-in-law Werner Wolf, Carolyn Kirsch, Susie Kirsch, Caroline Navin, Nancy (Fred) Berndt, and Mary (Mike) Lackas. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends including many mutual friends of Bill W.
Grace is preceded in death by her parents, sister Carol Wolf, brothers Donald Kirsch and Jim Kirsch Sr., father and mother-in-law Harold and Dorothy Heesen and brother-in-law Dick Navin.
Family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Shimon Funeral Home (824 Union St. Hartford, WI 53027) from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and Monday, May 20, 2019 at St. Peter Catholic Church from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial for Grace will be celebrated on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church (200 E. Washington Street Slinger, WI 53086) with Very Rev. Rev. Richard Stoffel officiating.
Interment in Old St. Peter Cemetery in Slinger, WI
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Peter Catholic Church Renovation and Debt Retirement Fund
