Harry Heier

life story

Beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend.

Another angel in heaven, one less Lefse lover on earth.

His story…

Harry Heier was born on April 23, 1943, in Oconto, WI and died on Friday, December 9, 2022 in Edina, MN. In the 79 years between his birth and death—there was a whole lotta life.

One of nine children born to farmers in Oconto, Wisconsin, he learned to eat fast and had lots of stories about getting to school in the snow, milking cows, and playing sports. He left the farm to go to college in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and spent some time living with his sister Joyce and her family in Neenah , WI, while in school. One of those kids, now grown, says he was the life of the party, and all these years later still has fond memories of his time with their family.

Like any good Wisconsinite Harry met his wife, Marie, at a bar. Soon after they met he told her that one day they’d get married and have a son named Howie. So, they did. Howie, not Howard, was born in 1969. Their daughter Heather followed in 1971, and their oops, Heidi, came along in 1975. To cover their tracks they told all three none were planned but all were wanted—so their kids went along with the story.

Harry and Marie built their life in Wisconsin—living in Neenah, Menasha and Appleton. Then moved to the Twin Cities seven years ago to be closer to their daughters, as Howie’s kids were getting older and needed them less.

Harry had a quick wit, a sly smile, and was a born storyteller and story maker. One Christmas he found himself without a gift for Marie, so he wrapped up a roll of toilet paper because the shops were closed and he needed something under the tree. For years, probably over a decade, that roll was considered off limits and was only used for makeup removal or possibly to wipe a tear. What makes that story even funnier is that he loved Christmas and never saw a holiday sweatshirt or automated Christmas carol singing stuffed animal he didn’t love. And every December he took his grandkids to Kohl’s to get their grandma gifts.

Harry was educated, travelled the US for work, and had a good job, but at heart he was a small town guy who preferred the company of regular Joe’s. He could mingle with anyone, but above all preferred the authenticity that came with … regular people. Harry was always up for a good time or a laugh, and was a friend to all who met him. He worked the same job at Central Paper forever, bought a bar for fun with a friend, and enjoyed time with his coworkers in the office and the mill, his teammates, and his countless friends. He was a born athlete who bowled, and played softball and lots of golf until his arthritis showed up and slowed him down about 40 years ago. He was also an accidental advocate and early adapter and supporter of LGBTQ rights by simply loving his family members.

Harry was never picky or fussy, and was known to buy cars from friends while fully aware he wasn’t getting a good deal. To him the deal was helping his friends. So, more then once his kids complained about the junk cars and got dropped off a block from school. When it came to food he loved getting ice cream with his grandkids, and would eat any meal served him as fast as if he was at his childhood home fighting for seconds. Except for tuna—that is the one thing we would never eat. But give him a plate of Lefse, which reminded him of his mother and sisters, and he would happily get busy eating.

Harry watched too much MSNBC, read a lot of books, went to bed really early, and marveled that people voted for Trump but would never lose a friend over it. But what made him Bebop, was that the things that mattered most to him—were not things. He loved his beloved wife Marie, his friends and his entire family. He adored his children and spoiled his grandchildren every chance he got. His days were, to him, perfect. They started with a call from Heather, included school pick ups for the grandkids, trips to Kohl’s with Marie, daily calls from Howie, school functions, dips in the pool, lunches and dinners with family at Tavern on France, and endless doctor appointments to manage his RA pain. He was built like an ox with the heart of a teddy bear.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents John and Beatrice, and siblings, Clarice Strei, Avis DeRoche, Elsie Zorn, and John Heier, and in-laws Anita and George Klemp. As well as other family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie, and their children Howie (Brenda), Heather (ex-husband but still family, Anthony Lane), and Heidi (Jeremy) Johnston. And of course, his beloved grand children Shea and Audra, Andrew and Alex, and Marlow and Leo. As well as siblings Julian Heier, Joyce (Ken) Drace, Shirley (Dan) Belongia and Lloyd (Pat) Heier.

Go wrap a roll of toilet paper for someone you love. Eat some Lefse. And live every day you are alive. Harry sure did.

Memorial services to be held in both Minnesota and Wisconsin:

December 29, 2022

Edina Towers Apartments Party Room

6400 Barrie Road, Edina MN 55435

Open house —12-6PM; with short speeches and memory sharing at 1 and 5PM.

April 22, 2023

The Marq /. Banquet Hall

12-4PM

3177 French Road

DePere, WI 54115

memorial service

Appleton Celebration of Life

April 22, 2023

The Marq

Banquet Hall

12-4PM

3177 French Road

DePere, WI 54115

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services