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Rochelle Heider

05/27/1937 - 02/13/2022
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Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rochelle Heider, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the age of 84, after courageously battling thyroid cancer, with her family at her side.

She was married to the love of her life, Randy Heider, and they enjoyed 61 years together. 

Rochelle attended Winneconne High School, where she was Prom Queen in 1954. After graduating from UW-Stevens Point, she worked for 40 years. She began teaching Home Economics at Brillion High School and continued teaching for many years in the Menasha School District. These learned skills carried over into her personal life as she was an avid seamstress, gardener, and canner. She was a very frugal individual in regard to material possessions, but was very generous with her love, kindness and compassion. Rochelle was never one to complain and always had a “glass half-full” outlook on life. 

Some highlights of her life include: building the “shed” and using it as home base for five years while helping Randy build their dream home; the trip of their lifetime:  to Milwaukee, to pick up their adopted daughter, Tami; climbing Longs Peak to the boulder fields while helping to chaperone a Boy Scout trip and spending many winters as snowbirds in Panama City Beach. 

She was lovingly called “Mom” by her five children: Michael (Patricia) Heider, Oshkosh; Scott (Nicole) Heider, Appleton; Kim (Steve) Maertz, Greenville; Todd (Wendy) Heider, Johnsonville; and Tamara (Joel) Schmeltzer, Appleton. 

Rochelle was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Brandon (Kaylie) Heider; Mitchell (Katie) Heider; Riley Heider; Richard (Amanda) Gasman Jr.; Rochelle (Matt) Gentele; Nick (Sydney) Maertz; Justin (Casie) Heider; Brad (Paige) Heider; Travis (Kristin) Schmeltzer; Owen (Brooke) Schmeltzer, and three great-grandchildren: Piper Gasman and Camryn and Jaxon Heider.

Rochelle was a member of Christus Lutheran Church in Greenville.  

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice Care for their support and guidance.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, in Rochelle’s name.

A private family service will be held. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family.

Mary Craig wrote on April 9, 2022
I didn't know Mrs. Heider but our neighbor Viola Crossman was her aunt. She would mention that she was becoming a home ec teacher and her marriage.

Ann Galle wrote on March 6, 2022
I worked with Rochelle at Butte des Morts. I am so sorry for your loss. She was always gracious, calm and upbeat and was quite an accurate meteorologist! She will be greatly missed.

Joe DesJarlais wrote on February 23, 2022
I worked with Scott at VMI (McDonalds) for years and met Rochelle when I visited their home often to work on a car or two. She was a special person who welcomed you as a friend. My sincere sympathy goes out to your entire family. I’m sure her absence will leave an empty spot in your lives. She (and your family) will be in our prayers.

Sandy Janssen wrote on February 21, 2022
I worked with Rochelle part time during tax season at Schenck for 2 years. She came to my house and helped me clean out my attic when I was moving from one house to another. We also went browsing at Steins for flowers to plant during the spring. I haven't seen her in several years but I will always remember her. She was the most honest, reliable, hard working and kind person I have ever met. The world was a better place because of her being in it. My deepest condolences to her entire family.

Kathy from Butte Des Morts wrote on February 21, 2022
I'm sorry for your loss. Mrs. Heider was a favorite middle school teacher. She was my Martha Stewart/ Julia Child/June Cleaver all rolled into one. She had a way of changing the way I thought of the chores of cooking, cleaning, sewing - It was more about taking pride in your work and doing your best. I thought of her many times over the years. I can still hear her voice and see her smile.

Tracey (Bell) Spampinato wrote on February 20, 2022
Many wonderful memories spent at the Heider house including all of the dance parties with Tami in her room to the Footloose soundtrack. Wonderful family - my thoughts are with all of you.

Nancy Wunderlich wrote on February 20, 2022
I grew up with your mom when we both went to church in Winchester. Have so many good memories of her. She will be missed by all of you but will also be in your lives by the memories you have. My condolences.

Melissa Krueger wrote on February 20, 2022
We lived directly behind Randy and Rochelle for 19 years. To say they were the perfect neighbors is an understatement. They watched our family grow and were there for anything we needed! Always there to help or give advice. We would spend hours talking at the fence. I will miss watching her beautiful garden grow! My family will treasure all our memories! We are so sorry for your loss! Jim and Melissa Krueger and Family

Debbie Bastian ( Tellock) wrote on February 20, 2022
My condolences to the family! Rochelle was a very sweet lady! My Dad Ralph Tellock is in Gulf Shores Alabama so I will let him know. Im sure he will be very sad to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Mike Chaganos wrote on February 19, 2022
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and sympathies to your family! ,

Tim and Barb Olson wrote on February 18, 2022
We were saddened to hear of Rochelle's passing. She was blessed with such an uplifting spirit. A great lady.

Vicki Riley wrote on February 17, 2022
I will greatly miss her daily walks through my neighborhood and our lengthy chats at the end of my driveway. Always a cheerful person and always kind words for others. I will miss her in church but I do know that she is at peace now...no more pain and struggles with health and she is once again with Randy. Vicki

Barbara A Crawford wrote on February 17, 2022
Sorry to hear about your loss. I use to watch her work outside, sometimes I wished I had her energy.

Dee Haven wrote on February 17, 2022
I subbed for Rochelle several times and learned several sewing techniques she had taught her students who in turn taught me. I also worked in the same building and was amazed with her calm demeanor and how awesome she was in handling the middle school students!! She was a kind and wonderful person and I know her family is going to miss her dearly. So sorry for your family's loss because I know it is a big one.

Wendy Kampo wrote on February 16, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. Keep the memories close to your heart.

Kathleen Robertson wrote on February 16, 2022
Rex and I are so sorry to hear the news of Rochelle. She was one of the sweetest ladies I knew; always asking and genuinely concerned for everyone. I know how much she will be missed by you all. You have our deepest sympathy. Kathy and Rex Robertson

Bob Brooks wrote on February 16, 2022
I worked with Rochelle at Butte Des Morts for several years and enjoyed her graciousness and common sense. She was loved and respected by all.

Lindsey Ebben wrote on February 16, 2022
I am Rochelle’s neighbor. There aren’t words to express how sorry I am for your family’s loss. Rochelle was a beautiful, kind, cheerful person. My dogs even loved saying hi to her on her 20 walks she would take every day. I looked forward to saying hi to her every time I saw her outside. She was loved by my family and will be greatly missed!

Edwin and Jeanne Schaefer wrote on February 16, 2022
We are sorry for your loss. Keep the memories of your Mother Rochelle close to your heart

Noelle and Jon Hauser wrote on February 16, 2022
We are truly sorry fo the loss of your mother and our Aunt Rochelle. She will be in our hearts and memories forever. I remember all the times getting together with the family for holidays and the good meals she made. I can even remember when they were building their forever home. I always appreciated that she hosted family gatherings. Sending you condolences. Noelle

Debby Schaar wrote on February 16, 2022
I worked with Rochelle at Schenck for many years, She was the nicest person you will ever meet, Sorry for you loss.