Delores Marie (Benesh) Heitman, affectionately known as Dottie, of Ada, MN, left this earth on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the age of 95. Dottie died peacefully, in her sleep, at her Mission Court home. Dottie had spent that evening, as well as the past week, doing what was most important to her, which was being with her family and friends on various adventures.
On March 27, 1929, the world was made lighter and brighter with the birth of Delores (Dottie) Marie Benesh to James and Helen (Davidson) Benesh at their rural home in Pleasant View Township. Dottie was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at First Lutheran Church, Ada, MN. Dottie grew up on the family farm, participating in 4H, attending barn dances with her family, and proving to be a valuable helper to her father James. Dottie had a frugal, but rich upbringing. She would often joke, “The only thing we didn’t use off the pig was the squeal.”
Dottie started her education in country school and graduated from Ada High School in 1947. On February 18, 1948, Dottie married the love-of-her life, Howard William Heitman, on her parents’ wedding anniversary, at First Lutheran Church of Ada.
Together, Dottie and Howard farmed southwest of Ada where Dottie’s early farm training prepared her to be the perfect partner. Willing and capable to do any job on the farm while raising five children, cooking, baking, and gardening. Howard and Dottie farmed until 1978, when they retired and moved into town.
Dottie’s greatest joy was her family, yet she was especially fond and proud of all her grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to Dottie’s devotion to her family and friends, she loved her time at Big Elbow Lake, listening to the loons. She also enjoyed traveling, winters in Florida, Coffee and Conversation at the museum, her church, and her friends at Mission Court.
The source of Dottie’s endless smile, positivity, and love for all was her unshakeable faith in the Lord and in her last days was heard to say, “You know He is waiting for me” and then shared that this was in reference to her Savior and her beloved husband Howard.
When in Dottie’s presence, each of us felt we were the most important person in her world, because we were! Dottie loved not only her family, but anyone she came in contact with. Dottie is proof that angels walk on earth. Her contagious laugh and warm hugs will be missed by all.
Dottie is survived by her five children and their spouses, Dianne (Scott) Ray, Marysville, WA, Dean (NeNe), Detroit Lakes, Dwight (Mary Lou), Ada, David (Liz), Dilworth, and Dennis (Cindy), Ada; brother, Delmar, Ada; sister, JoAnn (Harold) Skauge, Ulen; 15 grandchildren, Katie (Olin) Martinsen, Kyle Ray, Jennifer (Kevin) Thompson, Josh and Jason (Jessie) Heitman, Verne Evitt, Chandra (Kevin) Ackley, Marissa (Pat) Sheehan, Jared (Ashley) Heitman, Andy Steen, Amanda (Cory) Carlsrud, Bryce and William Heitman, and Luke and Leila Heitman; 18 great-grandchildren, Kristin (Bryan) Phelps, Ashley (Jason) Morehouse, Emma Thompson, Ava and Siriana (Siri) Heitman, Sam Heitman, Anthonnia (Annette) Evitt, Kade, Bode, and Evelyn (Evie) Ackley, Harper, Locklan, and Thompson Sheehan, Holden and Josephine (Joey) Heitman, Olivia Steen, and Brody and Briar Carlsrud; and 3 great-great grandchildren, Kailey Phelps, and Zoey and Sofia Morehouse. Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents, James and Helen Benesh; sister, Betty Lou and brother-in-law, Ray Vossen; sister-in-law, Vernice and brother-in-law, Bud Geddes; and sister-in-law, Rose Benesh.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Norman County Historical & Genealogy Society (NCHGS) Ada, MN or Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a prayer service to begin at 6:30PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church.
Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota