Marie Geraldine Heisick

Marie Heisick

November 12, 1939 - August 23, 2024

Marie Heisick, Beloved Mother and Super-Grandma, age 84, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away on 8/23/24 surrounded by family. 

Marie was born on November 12, 1939, to Henry and Elizabeth Rademacher. Marie began her life’s journey in the small town of Rosen, MN. After attending Bellingham High School, she spent her senior year at St. Benedict’s High School, a boarding school in St. Peter, MN—a time she cherished, as it opened her eyes to the world beyond her small-town roots and gave her her first taste of independence. One of ten children from humble beginnings, Marie daydreamed of being characters in her favorite books but mostly she dreamed of bettering herself and seeing the world. With determination and ambition, Marie moved to the big city, attending one year of college at St. Catherine’s University, applied for a job at Northwest Airlines and never looked back. Marie believed that if you want to live your dreams, you should dare to dream big, work hard, and remain true to your values—principles that guided her throughout her life.

Marie’s 35-year career in the airline industry was marked by dedication and professional excellence. Starting as a secretary at Northwest Airlines in1958, Marie married Neil Heisick in 1962 and took a hiatus in 1969 to become a full-time mother to her two daughters, Michelle and Kristie whom they raised in Cottage Grove, MN. In 1985, Marie returned to the industry with Republic Airlines and continued her career until retiring from Delta Airlines in 2009, at the age of 70. Marie was known for her leadership, attention to detail, calm demeanor under pressure, and her sharp sense of humor. Despite her many accolades, Marie measured her success by the impact she had on her colleagues and the enduring friendships she made along the way.

Marie’s love for travel took her around the globe with family and friends—from Asia to Greece, Australia to Italy, and everywhere in between. She was captivated by the beauty of the world and the diversity of its people. Her curiosity about the ever-changing world kept her engaged in learning, whether mastering new technologies or understanding the latest trends through the eyes of her grandchildren. Despite her age, Marie's spirit remained vibrant and youthful. Fashion was another of her passions, and she enjoyed dressing stylishly—blue was her favorite color, and she had a fondness for a bit of sparkle. Her grandchildren often teased her, saying, "You're so drippy today, Grams!"—a compliment she not-so-secretly relished.

Marie expressed her appreciation for art and nature through various hobbies, from creating beautiful garden arrangements to curating her home’s interior decor. She loved birds, especially the red cardinals that visited her deck, and took pride in being a good sister, neighbor, and loyal friend.

Marie was an exceptional mother to her daughters, Michelle and Kristie. They were proud to call her their mom. She was loving, compassionate, generous, supportive, strong, and resilient. The unconditional love she gave was deeply felt by her family. Her most cherished role, however, was being "Grams" to her four grandchildren Cameron, Ava Marie, Luke & Dillon. It’s hard to overstate how much Marie loved being a Grandma - she was a constant presence in their lives. Whenever they put on a football helmet, laced up their basketball shoes, or adjusted the strings on their lacrosse stick, they knew that Grams would be in the stands, cheering them on and no matter the outcome, she was always waiting with a big smile and a hug. The special bond she shared with each one was filled with warmth, inside jokes, laughter and countless moments of joy and pride. She grew alongside them, caring for them when they were young, and in more recent years, they returned that care in small, tender ways—like guiding her by the hand into games, restaurants, or their homes.

Marie was a rock for all who knew her. She was the person you could count on in difficult times, and when the situation required a clear head and a sense of purpose. She was also there to celebrate successes, cheer you on and make you laugh with her witty remarks. Her sharp and mischievous sense of humor was evident in her playful banter, especially with her son-in-law, Oliver, whom she frequently reminded of his special duty to care for her daughter. She had a knack for surprising those who underestimated her, revealing herself as a shrewd and tough negotiator when needed.

Marie’s life was rooted in the enduring values of her Catholic faith: service, humility, steadfastness, and love for others. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her loss is irreplaceable. Marie will forever remain in the hearts of her family and her zest for life continuing in those who loved her. 

Marie is preceded in death by her parents and seven of her siblings. She is survived by her daughters Michelle Hagland and Kristie (Oliver) Thoenen, her beloved grandchildren, Cameron, Ava Marie, Luke, and Dillon, her sister Sr. Kathy Rademacher of St. Scholastica Convent, her brother Romaine, and nieces.

Visitation is at 10 am, Mass at 11 am on Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Cottage Grove, MN. Private family interment. Celebration of Life at Churchill St. Restaurant in Shoreview, MN from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.