Pearl C. Heitke

Pearl Clarice Heitke, 98 years of age, of Paynesville, MN, died on Sunday July 20th, 2025, at the Hilltop Nursing Home in Watkins, MN. There will be 2 opportunities where all are invited to remember Pearl. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday August 1st, 2025 at the Salem Cemetery, north of Paynesville, MN, with Ric Koehn officiating. Arrangements are with the Daniel Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville (www.danielfuneralhome.com)

A memorial service will be held at a later date, September 6th, 2025 at 1:00pm at one of Pearl’s most beloved places-Koronis Ministries Camp & Retreat Center (formerly known as Lake Koronis Assembly Grounds). Pearl spent many of her summers volunteering at camp and in her later years, she treasured every opportunity to go for peaceful drives there to reminisce. Both occasions will be a joyful remembrance of a life well lived.

Pearl Heitke was born December 12, 1926 six miles north of Paynesville to Gustav and Lydia (Paetznick) Heitke. She attended rural school (District 139) for the 1st and 2nd grades before moving into Paynesville and graduating from high school in 1944. She attended Westmar College and graduated in 1948 with a B.A. in History and Education. She attended St. Cloud State University and graduated in 1950 with a B.S. for Elementary Certification. Pearl then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1968 with an M.A. for Remedial Reading & Learning Disabilities Certification.

With an Emergency Certificate, Pearl was an elementary school teacher in Edan Valley, MN (1946-47) and a junior high school teacher in Keewatin, MN (1948-49). Pearl taught elementary school in Stillwater, MN (1951-53) and in St. Louis Park, MN (1953-1985). She had four younger relatives that were handicapped, and after obtaining her M.A. she taught students with special needs.

She travelled in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, Poland and Spain. She was interested in church history and attended state and national historical meetings. She enjoyed flowers, nature and wildlife.

Pearl did not learn how to drive until she moved to St. Louis Park. She was an independent woman and lived in her home until her last 9 days of life.

After retiring to Paynesville, she kept busy: continuing her interest in church history; taking care of her sister Frieda until she entered the nursing home; participating in the various activities of the Ladies Circle at Grace United Methodist Church; driving people to doctor appointments; tutoring children; and keeping a journal. Pearl will be remembered for unfailingly, thinking of others before herself.

Family members surviving Pearl Heitke include many Heitke’s, Houk’s and Elmhorst’s.