Mary Lou Heiar

Mary Lou Heiar

September 05, 1930 - March 04, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - Mary Lou Heiar, age 94, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on September 5, 1930, in Reedsburg, the daughter of Charles and Florence (Faga) Bodendein.


Mary Lou graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to Donald Heiar on June 15, 1950, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lime Ridge. Don and Mary Lou owned and operated Freeman Cheese Factory from 1954 until 1966. Then they moved to Richland Center where Mary Lou was a homemaker and took care of her family. In 1990 they retired to the Madison area. They enjoyed spending winters among their snowbird friends.


Mary Lou was a very active member of the Catholic church. She was very devoted to her faith, family and friends. In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering for RSVP, driving people to their appointments.


Mary Lou is survived by her children, Tim (Anna) Heiar, Kathryn (Mike) Williams, Glenn (Kathy) Heiar and Monsignor Donald J. Heiar; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Heiar; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Lucas, Lisa, Ross, Casey, Abby and Maggie; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Joan Knuth. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Florence; husband, Don; sons, Steve Heiar and Russell Heiar; brothers, Lyle, Gordon and Robert Bodendein; and sisters, Victoria Hanko, Betty Grusendorf, Cleota Good and Judith Churchill.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cathedral of St. Bernard Parish Center, Capital Campaign.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761


Events

14
Visitation
Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
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14
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 11:30 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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RE
Ron Eith
Other •
Loved Ones of Mary Lou - Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. You and Mary Lou are being remembered in my Masses and other prayers. I was blessed to have met Mary Lou several times over the years. In prayerful sympathy, Fr. Ray Dischler
DF
David Fink
Other •
To the Heiar Family I can't begin to tell all of you how much Mary meant to me, especially during my formative years and beyond. I spent a lot of time at the Heiar house on Haseltine St. in Richland Center. Very fond memories! Mary always knew when there might have been a bit of mischief brewing, but always reminded us to be careful and safe. Mary always brought a sense of calm to every situation (and there were many situations!). Simply put, Mary was the best! I will always remember her smile and twinkle in her eyes! God Bless you Mary! You were one of a kind and my life is better because of you! David Fink (and Anne, Devon & Nicholas)
MF
Marie Finley
Other •
My condolences to the Heiar family on the passing of Mary. I grew up "across the road" from the Heiar family when Don was the cheesemaker on Boma Ridge and Mary was my sponsor when I was confirmed at St. James in Rising Sun. So many fond memories of Mary and the entire Heiar family. Marie Finley
AS
Anne Sullivan
Other •
My condolences to the Heiar family. Mary & Don were good friends of my parents when the Heiars lived on Boma Ridge & we lived in Ferryville. There were plenty of good card games among the adults, while the kids all played together. Mary was such a sweet, kind person! Anne (Dyer) Sullivan
DP
Dawn (Greeley) Pliner
Other •
My twin brother & I used to be babysat by Mary Lou in Richland Center. We loved riding the big wheel!! To this day whenever I see one I think of being at their home. Our deepest condolences to all who loved her❤️🙏.
DH
Diane Heiar
Other •
Mary was such an amazing person. She was always there to help out in any way she could. She would watch my kids when I had doctor appointments many years ago in Richland Center. I will never forget her kindness. I will treasure the beautiful homemade card she sent us for Christmas forever.

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