Catherine Diane Mayworm Heideman

On Friday, October 11, 1940, God blessed Walter August Mayworm and his wife Mae (Gourd) with the gift of a baby girl, Catherine Diane. Catherine was the second child with which God blessed Walter and Mae. Catherine grew up with two brothers, an older brother Jack and a younger brother Paul.

Catherine grew up, with the exception of a year in Houghton, in the Marquette area. She grew in knowledge of this world and the things of this world by attending Beaver Grove (K-4), Houghton (4), Harvey Townhall School (5-6), Froebel (7-8), and then Graveraet High School (9-12), graduating in 1958.

While attending school at Froebel School, she walked over to Trinity Lutheran Church to attend confirmation classes with friends Jean (Reader) Hill and Ilsa Barnacks. She was confirmed on Sunday, September 19, 1954.

In 1957, Catherine and Ralph Heideman eloped. On Tuesday, December 17, 1957, Ralph Leroy Heideman and Catherine Diane made their promises before the Lord and the membership of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, during a snowstorm.

The Living God blessed their union with the gift of three children, Beth (Kampe), Sue and Tim Heideman.

After they were married, Catherine worked at Getz’s Clothiers in the office for 30 years. Ralph worked at the Marquette Senior High School in the maintenance department. Catherine later worked at the Northern Michigan Library for 8 years until Ralph’s failing health required that she quit to take care of her husband. In time, Ralph came to live at Norlite Nursing Center where Catherine visited him until his departure on December 26, 2013. Catherine’s faith was strengthened through Word and Sacrament received joyfully at Calvary Lutheran Church, Marquette. She enjoyed singing and expressed that joy while singing sacred music as a member of the Calvary Church Choir. Catherine also sang in the Marquette Choral Society for over 30 years. Music was always a part of her life that gave her joy.

Catherine was not exempt from heartbreak and trouble. In April of 2019, she discovered that she had bladder cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy treatments, she underwent what turned out to be a very difficult surgery. She grew in strength only to discover that the cancer had returned. She did not despair but trusted in the Lord Jesus. On Tuesday, January 7, the Lord Jesus kept his promise to Catherine. He sent his angels to receive her soul from her body to her heavenly home. We will lay to rest those remains next to those of her husband Ralph.

Catherine Diane Mayworm Heideman lived a life full of blessing on this earth for 79 years. She enjoyed reading and meeting friends. She loved traveling. On her travels she enjoyed white water rapids, ziplines and helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon. She went on cruises throughout God’s creation. She enjoyed blueberry picking and walking. She enjoyed humor and appreciated the same in others.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband Ralph; brother Jack; and a beloved niece, Brenda; other friends and acquaintances.

Those who remain include: her children, Beth (Ken) Kampe of Marquette, Sue Heideman of Maribel, WI, Tim Heideman (Julie Pearl) of Marquette; grandchildren Katie, Krissy and Kelly Kampe; her brother Paul (Kay) of Traverse City; her former sister-in-law, Barbara Mayworm; nieces and nephews as well as many friends and acquaintances.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Calvary Lutheran Church on Friday, January 10, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Rev. Andrew Schaller, pastor, will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Lake Superior Hospice for their compassionate, professional care, and the many kindnesses extended to the family.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com