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Monica Anne Heetderks, 69, passed into the arms of Christ on October 2, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana, after a 31-year battle with breast cancer.
Monica was born Monica Anne Mousel on November 25, 1955, in Durand, Wisconsin, to Raymond Peter Mousel and Mary Therese Pauline (Bogner) Mousel. She spent much of her childhood on the family’s dairy farm, caring for her younger siblings. After her father died in 1969, the family moved to Fort Benton, Montana.
She studied elementary education and Spanish at Montana State University, where she met her future husband, David Brent Heetderks. Dave became a regular at the restaurant where she worked so he could spend more time with the pretty waitress. It worked. They were married in Sparks, Nevada, in 1985.
Monica had a nurturing spirit. She loved feeding birds – not even the neighborhood bears could stop her – and tended a thriving garden. Countless little lives were touched by her gentle heart in her decades volunteering in children’s ministry. She also packed thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes to support one of her favorite charities, Operation Christmas Child.
Monica is survived by her husband of 40 years, David; her two daughters, Anne (Andy) Sample and Jean (Tom) Harris; two beloved grandchildren, Avery and Douglas; sisters Mary Mousel, Paula (Chris) Boroni, Rachel Moberley, Rebecca Robinson, and sister-in-law Carol Mousel; brothers Michael, David (Melissa), Richard (Maria Winslow), Andrew (Kristi), and Eric (Sheila) Mousel, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Therese Mousel; sister Martha Mousel; brother Martin Mousel; and brother-in-law Mark Moberley.
A funeral service for Monica will be held at Hannaford Bible Church, 830 N Hannaford St, Helena, Montana, on Wednesday, October 15, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, Montana, at 3:00 PM the same day.
In lieu of flowers, the Heetderks family will bring boxes and supplies to the memorial so guests can create shoeboxes in Monica’s memory.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 North Hannaford Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following her Celebration of Life
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Sunset Hills Cemetery
340 Golf Way
Bozeman, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 North Hannaford Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following her Celebration of Life
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Sunset Hills Cemetery
340 Golf Way
Bozeman, Montana
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Chiko says
Monica is a sweet believer who loves Jesus. Last time we spoke she caught me up on the family. She sure loves Dave and her family so much and how she smiles when talks about them! Praying for Doc and everyone whose heart is broken.
Lynn Worsech says
Dave l just wanted to let you know that your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Denise Backstrom says
Dr. Heetderks & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Always remember the happy times. Jim & Denise Backstrom
Habel family says
Our family is blessed to have had Monica’s sweet presence in our lives; not only as a dear friend but also as Cubby leader and /or VBS teacher for Jonathan and Rachel. Her life is a shining example of what a God-centered life looks like, and we look forward to seeing her bright smile when we meet again in heaven. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for her beloved family.
Myrna omholt-mason says
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May the love of friends help you sustain.
Perry Brown says
How I always enjoyed her friendly presence and sweet smile at church on Sunday’s. Not the same seeing Dave without Monica at his side.
May God be with all the family during this difficult time.
Linda Miller says
Monica was such a bright light for Jesus. She gave my daughter Lisa wise advice dealing with her own cancer. I’m so grateful I got to know this gentle woman. I pray for His comfort for you and your family Dr. Heetderks.
Bernadine Nelson says
So sorry Dr H. I remember caring for your lovely wife when I lived in Helena. I thought she was a beautiful soul. Many prayers for strength for you and your family.
Bernie
Bernadette Ellis says
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a cousin of Monica’s and for many years we were living across the street from each other. I treasure those memories. She was a big sister to me. Her sweet spirit has touched so many people. You’re all in my prayers.