Marie Anna Heller was born on Mar. 15, 1917, near Buck Grove, to Joseph and Mary (Erlbacher) Heller. The family moved to Dunlap in order for the children to attend St. Joseph’s Catholic School, in Dunlap, and Marie graduated in 1934. Marie and her brother, Peter, took over the family farm in 1950 after their parents retired. Together they had a large garden, raised pigs and cattle. After their mother died, Marie moved their father back to the farm and took care of him. Marie raised a lot of chickens over the years. In their later years they raised sheep so Peter didn’t have to mow around the farm buildings as often.
Marie was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with her faith being very important to her. She was also a member of the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters Court of St. Monica #300. Additionally, she was a member of the Friendly Neighbors Club and the Crawford County Performing Arts. She played the organ at St. Patrick’s Church in Dunlap for over 50 years; teaching her nieces and nephews how to play the piano as well. She was also very devoted to praying the rosary. Marie always had a rosary with her and prayed it several times a day. Marie loved to play cards, tell jokes and she was a prankster. Marie never married to have children of her own, but she treated all of her nieces and nephews and their children as her own. She attended many grandparent events at school and enjoyed attending their sporting events years ago. Marie loved to entertain the kids by playing cards, games, or ball in the yard. Following all this activity, she and Peter then took them out for pizza or go shopping for one thing or another. Marie gave her family so many special memories, with prayer always being a part of it.
Marie died on Oct. 22, 2020, at the Dunlap Specialty Care at the age of 103 years, seven months, and seven days.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers, Leonard, Leo, Albert, Joseph, Lawrence, Irvin, Urban and Peter Heller and sister, Augusta “Gustie” Esser. Marie is survived by many nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dunlap. The celebrant was Rev. Joel McNeil and the musicians were: Rick Rannells, Karen LeMense and Angie Heller singing “Ave Maria”. The pallbearers were: Bernie Heller, Larry Heller, Bill Heller, Jerry Heller, Dave Heller, Dan Heller, John Paul Heller, Eddie Heller, Don Thompson and Patricia Wilson. The final resting place is at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Earling.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of the arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
