Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Norma D. Heinitz, age 98 of East Helena

October 16, 1926 – November 12, 2024

Norma Dean (Walker) Heinitz
Norma D. Heinitz passed away quietly at her home on November 12, 2024.  Norma was born October 16, 1926 in Iona, Idaho to George S. Walker and MayBelle Eggleston. Norma was the oldest of five children. Norma lost her mother when she was eight years old. At that time, she, her siblings and father moved in with their grand parents on the family farm. Norma attended local schools in the Iona and Ammon areas.  Upon graduating high school or shortly after, she took a job in Idaho Falls as a telephone operator.
One night after a rodeo, while walking home, Norma and her friends were being teased by her brother, Jack. A young man stepped in to see if the girls needed help. He was told no, and the girls continued to walk.  This young man took it upon himself to escort them home. His name was Vic Heinitz, and the rest is history. This couple has been married for 76 earthly years.  During the reign over their kingdom, they lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Great Falls, Montana; Yuma, Arizona; Mankato, Minnesota; Butte, Montana and East Helena, Montana. Norma and Vic were blessed with adopting four children (Vicki, Shari, Steve and Jennifer). Norma was able to be there for her children through their lives growing up. In 1987 (several years after Vic retired from Western Airlines) they moved to East Helena, Montana to be closer to many of the family.
Norma served in many church positions. She was devoted to her callings and the teachings of the LDS church. She strongly believed in her faith. She never had a harsh word for anyone (with the exception of Steve). She loved everyone. She also loved to garden, bake, cook, sew and many other crafts. Mostly she loved to crochet, which she did up to a couple weeks prior to her passing.
Norma is survived by her son, Steve Heinitz of Helena and daughter Jennifer (Beau) Opie of East Helena; brother, Ray (Sharon) Walker of Hermiston, Oregon; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and many other family members.
Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Vic; daughters, Vicki and Shari; daughter-in-law Melanie Heinitz, parents and many other family members.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4225 Bobcat Drive.  A reception will follow the service in the Cultural Center of the church. Visitation in Idaho will be begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Wood Funeral Home; 963 S. Ammon Road, Ammon Idaho.  Burial will be 12:00 p.m. at the Ammon Cemetery in Ammon, Idaho.

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday November 14, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

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Viewing

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Friday November 15, 2024

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4225 Bobcat Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday November 15, 2024

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4225 Bobcat Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Following the Funeral Service

Friday November 15, 2024

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4225 Bobcat Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Visitation

10:30 a.m.

Saturday November 16, 2024

Wood Funeral Home

963 S. Ammon Road

Ammon, Idaho 83406

View map

Graveside Service

12:00 p.m.

Ammon Cemetery

Ammon, Idaho

View map

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday November 14, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Viewing

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Friday November 15, 2024

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4225 Bobcat Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday November 15, 2024

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4225 Bobcat Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Following the Funeral Service

Friday November 15, 2024

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4225 Bobcat Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Visitation

10:30 a.m.

Saturday November 16, 2024

Wood Funeral Home

963 S. Ammon Road

Ammon, Idaho 83406

View map

Graveside Service

12:00 p.m.

Ammon Cemetery

Ammon, Idaho

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. My dear Great-Aunt Norma was the beloved sister of my Grandmother, Betty. Aunt Norma was always kind to me. She would always take time to sit and visit with me. Her hugs and kisses were genuine and warm. I am so grateful for the few quiet whispers I was able to share with her this past Memorial Day weekend in Idaho. I will always cherish these memories.

  3. Her husband is singing and dancing with her. Happy for her and that heaven has another celestial being in its midst.

  4. My dear sweet friend, Norma. I am so thankful for the many wonderful memories of love and friendship we shared. I will miss her so very much. Rest in peace dear one.

  5. A long life well lived as a loyal disciple of the Savior, Jesus Christ. She and Victor, now reunited, were examples to me of the joy living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in marriage can bring. When ever I saw them they were always smiling and radiating the light of righteous living. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones as they adjust to her leaving them for the joy she now has again with her eternal companion.

  6. Norma and Vic went together like bread and butter.
    What a sweet couple! She will sure be missed!

  7. Dear sweet Norma, and co-grandma, you have been a wonderful, loving, Mom to your children, their spouses, and all their children and grandchildren! Your continued love, reinforcement, good cooking, and sharing has been so wonderful for so many. You and Vic, such a beautiful example of love, happiness, and support of each other. For the sharing we enjoyed, for your support and love of my dear Melanie, thank you. Congratulations on your life so well lived!

  8. What a great example of a life well lived and how to live. Both she and Vic were the epitome of everything good. Faithful always, they served their Heavenly Father and everyone they knew tirelessly. We knew them for so long, from Butte, (they attended our wedding 60 years ago) and until the present in East Helena. They always came to everything early and stayed late to offer whatever assistance was needed. We will miss them, but so happy that Norma and Vic can be together again. Well done thou good and faithful servants. A wonderful eternity awaits.

  9. My condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. She was so kind to me and everyone. She took me and many other stragglers in whenever we needed anything; a room, a meal, a laugh or just some encouragement. A lot of great memories. She deserves the best.

  10. Oh how I loved Norma so much! I was so blessed to be in the same ward as the Heinitz and they were both so very kind to me. I’m so happy that they are reunited again never to be apart. Rest in peace sweet Norma I will miss you dearly.

  11. My dear sweet beautiful Aunt Norma.
    An angel on this earth.
    She was the greatest example of pure love and grace.
    Although I am so happy she is reunited with the love of her life, she will truly be missed.
    I am so grateful to have so many wonderful memories to reflect on. I love you Aunt Norma. I will love you for ever and always. Please give Uncle Vic and my mom a great big hug from me.
    2024 sure has been a rough year for many people here on earth. Heaven has surely been blessed.

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