Katherine "Kay" Heckendorf

Katherine “Kay” Helen Heckendorf, 73, Town of Hewitt, died Wednesday, August 15, 2018 under the care of family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Kay was born September 30, 1944 in Marshfield to the late Elmer and Barbara (Beck) Radtke.  Following her graduation from Rib Lake High School, she moved to Milwaukee to work and earned an Associate of Science from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Accounting.  She married Gordon Roseland and the couple had one daughter, Denise.  Sadly, Gordon died in October of 1977.  Joy once again found Kay when she married Elroy Heckendorf in October 1979 and the couple went on to spend over 38 years together.  Over the years, she was a dedicated accountant and business manager for Penske Truck Leasing, WSAU/WIFC Radio and WFXS Television until her retirement in June 2012.

Kay was a determined and tenacious woman, but she was always a very loving wife, mother, and supportive, encouraging friend.  She admired and appreciated her husband’s inventiveness and was proud of her strong and independent daughter.  Kay treasured the times spent with family, especially holidays and large get-togethers she would host for family and friends alike.  Always one to whistle while she worked, some of her favorite times were spent cooking and baking with her sister, Barb, to be given away to family and friends.  Kay also loved spending time in her “especially huge garden” growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables which lead her to can countless jars of jams, vegetables, and sauces.  Her free time often found her reading mysteries, listening to music, especially blue grass, and relaxing at the family lake home or attending blue grass music festivals.

Kay had a devout commitment to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and participated in the choir, Women’s Bible Study and Library Guild.  She was also an enthusiastic member of the Bow the Knee cast and proudly performed for several years.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Elroy; beloved daughter, Dr. Denise (Tammy) Roseland of Fresno, CA; brother, Ronald (Kathy) Rusch of Waupaca; sister, Ruth (Herb) Scheithauer of Rib Lake; many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and the children of friends who called her Grandma Kay.  She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara (Neil) Habeck and brother and sister-in-law, Raymond (Velda) Rusch.

The funeral service will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Town of Easton.  Pastor Ryan Fehrmann will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday at the church.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

A heartfelt word of thanks goes to the nurses and staff of Marshfield Cancer Clinic and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care for Kay and her family.