Lenora Margaret Heideman

Lenora M. Heideman, 88, of Benson, MN, died Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Scandi Haven Village Senior Living and Memory Care in Benson. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 30, 2021 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. A private burial service was held on March 31, 2021 at the Benson City Cemetery, where Lenora’s grandchildren were her pallbearers.

Lenora was born on August 14, 1932, in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert H. and Agnes L. (Johnson) Neuhaus. She was baptized on September 11, 1932 at her parent’s home by the Rev. David Pfeiffer. She was confirmed on May 26, 1946, by Rev. Erwin Vaudt at St. John’s Church in Chippewa County. She grew up in Swift and Chippewa Counties and attended school in Montevideo and Benson, graduating from Benson Senior High School. After graduation, she worked at Gambles, and later, in the office at the Swift County Benson Hospital. She was a member of Rural Youth, where at one of the gatherings at the Phillips Lodge in Alexandria in 1951, she met Walt.

On June 6, 1953, Lenora was united in marriage to Walter Elmer Heideman, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, in Benson, by the Rev. Kempff. This union was blessed with over 54 years of marriage. They lived on a farm in Torning Township near Benson.  She was the consummate homemaker and extended her hospitality to all with a smile, a hug, and, of course, food. She was actively involved in her rural community through card parties, 4-H, and the Swift County Homemaker’s Club.

Lenora volunteered her time delivering Meals on Wheels, working as a hospice volunteer, and serving in many ways at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church including teaching Sunday school, bible study, potluck meals, quilting, and as a member of LWMS. She was a seamstress, making clothes for her daughters and grandchildren, including baptismal gowns. She also quilted for family and friends. She enjoyed painting, gardening, traveling, and jigsaw puzzles. She loved her family and delighted in entertaining her grandchildren and great grandchildren and hosting large family gatherings. For many years Lenora kept a daily journal.

She was called from this life on Saturday, March 27, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson. She attained the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 14 days.

Lenora is survived by her daughters: Katherine (Stan) Claussen of Montevideo, Janet (Alan) Larson of Evansville, Teresa (Bob) Fragodt of Sauk Rapids, and Natalie (Lee) Phillips of Gallatin Gateway, Montana; her  eight grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren; Matthew (Leah)  Claussen and their children Lilly, Owen, and Oliver; Phillip (Angie) Claussen and their children William and Henry: Anna  (Mark Apfelbacher) Claussen and their children Lenora, Vonn, and Svea;  Thomas (Ginger) Claussen and their children,  Clint, Eliza, and Tuck; Kelsey Nordick, and her children Devin Stone, Tyler Stone, Levi Nordick, and Brody Nordick; Kayla (Matt) Kvacik and their child Hayden; Michael (Melissa) Fragodt; and   Lucas (Elle) Fragodt and their children Layken and Winley; a sister-in-law Lorna Neuhaus of Lemon Grove, California; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Agnes; her husband Walter, on June 16, 2007; her sisters Bernice Johnson, and Verna Ranten; her brothers Gene, Harold, and Glen Neuhaus; and a grandson Jordan Fragodt. Blessed be her memory.

Lenora’s family would like to thank Scofield, Scandi Haven Village Memory Care, and Carris-Rice Hospice for their thoughtful care of Mom.