DeLoris M. Heidenreich

DeLoris Mae Heidenreich, 92, died on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 in Watertown, SD.  She was born to Erig and Lottie Kinder in Aberdeen, SD, and was the youngest of three children.  Both of her brothers, who preceded her in death, served overseas in World War II. DeLoris graduated from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen.  DeLoris married Merle Heidenreich on June 1, 1952, in Aberdeen.  After Merle served in Korea, they lived in Clark and moved to Watertown in 1956. This year, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by their extended family. 

DeLoris is survived by Merle and their four children: Stephen Heidenreich, Watertown, Linda (Dave) Nerdig, Watertown, Roger (Allyson) Heidenreich, Watertown, and Laura (Mark) Berdahl, Northfield, MN.  DeLoris and Merle have nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Merle and DeLoris’ special friend, Dawn LaMee.

DeLoris was a charter member of the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  She was actively involved in the Sunday school and sang in the church choir. DeLoris was a mother to many including her nieces and nephews, the friends of her children, children of Watertown teachers, students at Roosevelt Elementary school where she was a teacher’s aide, and so many others.

The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 2 at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown and one hour prior to the services at Mt. Olive. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 10:30 am at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 715 Second St NE, Watertown with the Rev. Iver Possehl officiating.  The service will be live-streamed via the church website.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Honorary pallbearers will be: Mt. Olive Church Choir and Lutheran Women's Missionary League.  Active pallbearers will be: Ben Nerdig,  Ryan Heidenreich, Mara Berdahl, Emma DeDonder, Greta Berdahl Bangs, Jonathan Nerdig, Sonia Berdahl, Eric Heidenreich, and Leif Berdahl.  Lunch will be served after the service.

Memorials are preferred. Those wishing to make a gift in memory of DeLoris may send a donation to the charity of their choice.  Undesignated donations will be given to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch of Minot, ND.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel        www.crawfordosthus.com

Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

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