Heersma, Dorothy Hawkins

Dorothy Hawkins Heersma, 88, of Muscoda, Wis., died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Chicago on Nov. 1, 1922, the daughter of George and Laura (Barta) Hawkins. Following elementary school in Mason City, Iowa, she graduated from high school in Cedar Rapids. She then attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids and graduated magna cum laude in 1946. Later she attended Northwestern University School of Medical Technology and graduated as a licensed medical technologist. Dottie was united in marriage with Dr. James R. Heersma on April 19, 1947. She was the kindness in the marriage that they enjoyed. Dottie was a devoted mother/grandmother and beloved wife.

From 1953 until 1970, she taught microbiology at St. Joseph's School of Nursing. Thereafter, she ran the laboratories in her husband's office in Mount Vernon, Ill., and Muscoda, Wis., until their retirement in 1990. She always had an open ear and heart for their many patients.

Dottie's interests involved her children and subsequent grandchildren, as well as many other interests. She was an expert knitter, seamstress/quilter and spinner. She enjoyed music with her husband from square dancing together to attending classical concerts. She loved to travel and had been to every state in the nation as well as several countries in Europe. She was an avid Bridge player for decades. Dottie was active in preserving many foods each growing season. She was ‘famous' for her pickles and jellies which she was happy to share with others. She was a 4-H leader in Marshfield for many years. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. James Heersma of Blue River, Wis.

Her surviving children are Virginia Heersma Covert (spouse William) of Blue River, Wis., Thomas Brian Heersma (spouse Connie) of Auburndale, Wis., Laura Heersma Mays (spouse Rolland) of Mount Vernon, Ill. Her grandchildren are

Gini's: Eli, Leanna and Lucia; Rich's: Melissa; Tom's: Slade, Laish, Zev, Ren and Rolt; and Laura's: Stephanie and Talia. She is great-grandmother to Shea Mcalinden, Aidan Mays, Aeriana Spinosa and Liam Covert.

Dottie was preceded in death by her son, Richard James Heersma of Chicago; and her sister, Margaret Pugh.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at the United Church of Muscoda, Presbyterian, 402 North Second St., Muscoda, WI 53573. Pastors Roger Koester and Ramona Orton will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Friday, April 22, from 4 until 7 p.m., with an auxiliary service held at 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time. The Godager Pratt Funeral Home of Muscoda, Wis., is assisting the family with their arrangements.