Dorothy Heidler
Dorothy Heidler, age 96, Faith, S.D., passed away Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at the Sturgis Regional Hospital in Sturgis, surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy Marie Coyle was born Feb. 16, 1920, at her uncle's place with her grandma as the midwife. Her parents were Ray and Anna Coyle. Grandparents were Bill and Lucy Coyle and Simon and Barbara Hockel. She had five brothers and two sisters. Being the oldest girl she was called “Sis” and helped raise the family.
She worked at a store and met Merle Heidler when he would come in to buy black oilcloth for his table. They were married April 10, 1945. They ranched on Plum Creek northeast of Philip. They had four children, Jean, John, Joey, and Charles. Joey died at one and one-half years old with leukemia and Charles was stillborn. We’re sure she is loving on those two babies she hasn't seen for years. Merle sold the ranch when Jean was born. They moved to Faith and lived in the old Home Cafe building on Main Street. He worked for Ernie Gottschalk and the railroad.
In the fall, they bought the ranch on the Moreau River. Jean spent her first birthday there in September of 1947. Joey came in November of 1947 and died May 30, 1949. John was born July 8, 1951. Charles was stillborn on January 29, 1954. John was a busy little guy. He married Carmen Vansickle in 1971. They have four children and seven grandchildren.
Dorothy had a work ethic that was hard to beat. She milked cows and raised a lot of bum lambs. She had a big garden. She loved her flowers. She kept an immaculate house and prepared countless meals. She made great chocolate chip cookies and a chocolate cake with cream frosting, all from scratch. She was a 4-H leader for years and enjoyed that. She loved sports of all kinds, especially if family was involved. She embroidered lots of tea towels. She sent many cards to all family and friends.
After her own family had grown, she was blessed to have the Kennedy families move into the community and more little people calling her grandma. Dorothy was a devoted Catholic. She said her rosary daily and had it in her hands as she went to sleep every night. Her faith was very important to her.
She is survived by her daughter, Jean Lesmeister, Faith; son and daughter-in-law, John and Carmen Heidler; eight grandchildren, Shawn and Kachena Lesmeister, Rozet, Wyo, Justin Lesmeister, Faith,, Kari and Marty Erivez, Gillette, Wyo., Cody Lesmeister, Gillette, Wyo, Corky and Sharon Heidler, Walhalla, N.D., Chip and Mindy Heidler, Faith, Kelli Heidler, Old Hickory, Tenn., and O.J. and Leah Heidler, Opal; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Patty Shaffer; one brother, Buddy Coyle; and three sisters-in-law, Sharon Coyle, Mary Lou Coyle and Verdis Heidler. She has numerous nieces and nephews too.
Waiting to greet her in heaven were her husband, Merle; sons, Joey and Charles; her parents, Ray and Anna Coyle; brothers, Willie, Joe, Bob and Sonny; her sister, Nellie; four sisters-in-law Sherry Coyle, Myrna Coyle, Marguerite Lawrence and Florence Kochersberger; two brothers-in-law, John and Harold Heidler, and their parents, Joe and Ethel Heidler.
Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, with Fr. Jim Hoerter officiating. Burial was at the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial has been established.
Condolences may be sent through our website at www.faitharea memorialchapel.com.