Emma Lou Heitbrink
February 08, 2016
Emma Lou Heitbrink went home to Jesus on Monday, February 8, 2016. Lou was born on February 11, 1927 to Leone and Verner “Dooley” Putnam in Mason City, Illinois. As a child she moved between Illinois and Texas, graduating from high school in Northbrook, Illinois in 1945.
After attending Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, she began work at Culligan, Inc. where she met Norman Heitbrink. They were united in marriage on August 7, 1948. To that union two sons, Charles and Steven, were born. Lou remained a stay-at-home mother and was actively involved in all of the boy’s activities. When they finished high school she returned to the work force as an executive secretary and eventually retired as the Business Manager of several electronic trade magazines for Tower Publishing.
Upon retirement she moved to Urbandale, Iowa in 1993 with her mother, Leone. She joined Westkirk Presbyterian Church in 1996, and after Leone's death, she moved in with her son Chuck. As a member of the church she served as a Deacon, volunteered in the office and was the editor of the church newsletter for 15 years. She was a member of the Dorcas Circle and led a small group in Bible study. Lou was always involved in singing and continued to share her gift with the Westkirk Choir.
Emma Lou is survived by her sons, Charles of Urbandale and Steven (Susan) of Charles City. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. The family will receive friends at Westkirk Presbyterian Church, 2700 Colby Woods Drive in Urbandale, IA on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and celebrate her life with a funeral service at 10:30. Burial will take place in Illinois at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westkirk Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Darrell Hackbarth
02/13/2016
Chuck and Steve --- Sorry for your loss.
Diana Brown
02/12/2016
Chuck, We were saddened to hear about Lou. Find comfort in knowing you were a special part of a well-lived life. The Browns
Kevin Nelson
02/12/2016
Steve ---Something you will find ---
You will see her reflection and hear her voice in the things she left behind...In the memories that will touch you when you least expect it...In the stories that she shared...the family traits she passed down...In the love that will keep her close to your heart forever.
Wishing you peace and comfort at this most difficult time - Kevin
Cindy Rolando
02/10/2016
Steve-
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Cindy and Dusty Rolando
Gary and Lennie Waller
02/10/2016
Chuck,
We are sad to hear of your Mom's death.
We are on the west coast until next week, so we can't come to the service for her, unfortunately.
We hope you find peace in this difficult time.
Gary and Lennie