Dorothea C. Heiertz, age 85, fell asleep through Jesus on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at her home in Sun City, AZ with her children at her side. Dorothea was born on September 24, 1927 at Parkston, SD to John and Emma (Weidenbach) Wudel. After graduating from Parkston High School, she went on to earn a Home Economics Degree in 1949 from SDSU in Brookings, SD. Dorothea married James Heiertz on June 11, 1950 in Parkston, SD. They lived in Mankato, MN for 2 years, where she taught school, before moving to Oelwein, IA in 1952 where their 2 children were born. In 1955 they moved to Flandreau, SD. Dorothea was active in church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She was a leader of Cub and Brownie Scouts and 4-H. She was also an avid golfer while in Flandreau, winning many tournaments. Dorothea was active in arts and crafts in Flandreau and Sun City, AZ, where she moved after the death of her husband on May 11, 1994. While in Sun City, she continued to share her talents by teaching others and was president of several clubs. Through God's grace, in the years of Dorothea's trying illness, she maintained a sweet disposition and enjoyed hymns and a lively interest in the word of God.

Dorothea is survived by her 2 children, Jill Heiertz, Peoria, AZ, James (Cheryl) Heiertz, Jr., Phoenix, AZ; 6 grandchildren, Mary (Arturo), David, Hope, Amy, John and Joanna; 1 great-grandchild, Alonso and a sister, Sylvia Sanders, Greenwood Village, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, a great grandson, Donovan and her parents.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Second Presbyterian Church, Flandreau with burial at Union Cemetery.