Delores J. Heiser

Delores J. (Forster) Heiser, age 82, took her Lord’s hand and entered eternal life on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, while surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

She was born on November 28, 1942, to Albert and Minnie (Schulte) Forster in the town of Schley, where she also grew up. On December 19, 1959, Delores married the love of her life, Louis “Jim” Heiser in Gleason. Together, they had three daughters, Carolyn, Cynthia, and Pamela. Carolyn preceded her in death on February 19, 2015.

Delores and Jim moved to Bergland, Michigan (the upper peninsula) in 1968. In 1997, they moved to Merrill to be with their grandchildren.

Delores was a “jack of many trades”, but her favorite was driving bus for the senior citizens in Michigan; bringing them to appointments and shopping. Delores was an excellent cook and loved to entertain family and friends. She also enjoyed dancing to live music (especially classic country). Her hobbies included playing bingo, cards, cribbage, reading, bowling, sewing, and snowmobiling. She was an avid gardener and found joy in canning her produce. Delores & Jim also groomed the snowmobile trails in Michigan.

Delores lived a life defined by generosity, laughter, creativity, and heart. Her warm smile and kind spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Delores is survived by her husband: Jim Heiser, daughters: Cindy (Jeff) DeBroux and Pam (Ed) Dinges, grandchildren: Brandon (Casey) Normand, Cody Heiser, Steven Heiser, Isabelle Heiser-Poppe, Brenden (Alex) Dinges, and Alissa Dinges. She is further survived by her sister: Helen Leavitt, brother: Walter (Mary Jane) Forster, son-in-law: Brian Normand, sister-in-law: Mary Ann Forster and many nieces and nephews, as well as many bonus children. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter: Carolyn Normand, sisters & brother-in-law: Evelyn (William Sr.) Fraizer, Martha Winkelman, Iona (Floyd Sr) Fleischman, and brothers & sisters-in-law: Emil (Erma), Earl (Betty), Gilbert (Eunice), Donald, Alvin (Donna) and Myron (Wilma) Forster.

The memorial service for Delores will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, WI. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. Visitation to start at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service, lunch to follow.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful care she received from the nurses and CNA’s at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.