Marion Julia Heying, age 89, passed away peacefully at The Good Samaritan Center in West Union Saturday, January 20, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family. Marion was born on November 30, 1934 to Ben and Rose (Rausch) Bodensteiner on the family farm in St. Lucas, Iowa. She graduated from St Luke’s High School.
Through her love for dancing, she met the love of her life, Dennis Henry Heying at Inwood Dance Hall in Spillville, Iowa. On October 25, 1955 she married Dennis at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. To this union nine children were born.
Everything Marion did started with love. She had a huge heart and an insatiable love of giving. She loved everyone and it was more than evident that everyone loved her back. It warmed her heart to find that special item and give it to those she loved. Marion was one of a kind and devoted her life to spreading joy and laughter. She has inspired us all to “Love Like Marion”.
Along with finding treasures to give to loved ones, she would also enjoy making them herself. This included homemade jam, applesauce, cookies, crafts, blankets, and so much more. After their children were grown, Marion and Dennis would spend many hours making their famous apple pies, which they loved to share with all. They also would work together making countless blankets that have been and always will be enjoyed by so many family and friends. Together they loved to visit their children and grandchildren whom they absolutely adored. They were also known for playing cards and occasionally sneaking in a trip to the casino. Marion also enjoyed music, and was often found playing the piano right up to her final days.
Marion is survived by her children, Glenn (Julia) Heying of Durham, North Carolina, Patti (Jim Kleppe) Butikofer of Clermont, Ron (Holly) Heying of Cedar Falls, Keith (Renae) Heying of Peoria, Arizona, Steven (Leilani) Heying of Buckeye, Arizona, Sandy (Frank) Cooley of Spicewood, Texas, Jayne (Bill) Bouska of West Union, Ken (Beth) Heying of Cedar Rapids and Vicki Rae (Dean) Brainerd of Dewitt, along with thirty grandchildren, Dan, Jeny, Katy, Sarah, Eryn, Jeff, Andy, Scott, David, Andrea, Elisabeth, Emily, Tom, Ashlee, Dennis Jacob, Trevor, Brooke, Chelsey, Hannah, Lance, Seth, Kassie, Kari, Kayla, Kristin, Alex, Halle, Delaney, Amanda and Jacob; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Elsbernd; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis on July 18, 2015; her parents; her four sisters, Lorraine Kuennen, Alice Einck, Corina Deeny, Elizabeth Schaufenbuel and three brothers, Arnold, Linus and Dennis Bodensteiner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 215 E. Main Street, St. Lucas, Iowa 52166, with visitation one hour prior to the mass with Fr. Nicholas Radloff officiating.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4-7 pm at Burnham-Wood-Grau funeral home, 212 E. Elm Street, West Union, IA 52175, where the Rosary will be prayed at 3:30pm.
Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery (immediately following Mass) in rural West Union, IA next to her beloved husband.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.