Delores "Dee" Helen Heilmeier, born April 1, 1935, age 87, of Weston, WI, was welcomed into heaven on December 5, 2022 with her children together at her side.

Dee grew up in Wausau and attended Wausau High School. She married Jack Heilmeier at St. Mary's Catholic Church on May 5, 1956, after he diligently pursued the opportunity to court her.

Dee had a fierce flame within her admired by many. She greeted all of life's obstacles with strength and bravery, while also anchoring her household with love and grace. Her children were her pride, and she never missed a little league game or the night before a spelling test.

Dee put her heart and soul into her work and welcomed the camaraderie of the workplace. She spent many years working in the radiology department at Marshfield Clinic. And when she finally retired, her work ethic did not, and she found great joy with her volunteer position at St. Claire's Hospital Gift Shop.

Dee had a razor-sharp wit that brought light, laughter and a little sass to any situation. She had a special flair that could turn even a simple trip to the gas station into a lifelong memory with her. Her creativity spanned beyond her words too, whether she was oil painting the harmony she found in nature, sewing Thanksgiving dresses for her daughters, or refining her delicious chicken dumpling or split pea soups. Her holiday kuchen was unmatched.

"Two dark chocolates a day" were important words to live by according to Dee, but she cherished exercise and movement just as much. Whether it was a long bike ride with friends, her weekly stretching classes (which she maintained at age 87), spending time outdoors with one of her and Jack's German Shepherds at their Northern Wisconsin cabin, or dancing to the fastest polka of the night, Dee lived and loved every day with intention.

After navigating four challenging months in the complexities of the healthcare system, God knew it was time to bring Dee home. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her husband Jack was undoubtedly waiting at heaven's gate in his '63 ½ Ford Galaxie 500 to take his beautiful wife home to eternal glory.

Dee was preceded in death by brothers, Anthony, Lloyd, Ervin, Ivan and Donald; sisters Leona and Irene. She is survived by three children, daughter Mary Kujawa and husband Tom of Weston, WI, son Roy Heilmeier and daughter-in-law Laurie of Weston, WI, daughter Laura Hoppe and husband Gregg of Marathon, WI; four grandchildren, Lindsay Barr and husband Nate of Seattle, WA, Samuel Heilmeier and wife Julie of Weston, WI, Hannah Heilmeier of Chicago, IL, and Amanda Kujawa of Denver, CO; sister Margie Heeren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and one great grandchild on the way.

Following cremation, a visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Saint Therese Parish, 113 W Kort St, Rothschild, WI 54474.