On the morning of Dec. 20, 2015, our beloved sister Heidi Thomasson was greeted with love by her Dad Steini, her Mom Herbie, sister Inga and brothers Eric and Hjalli (her twin) to heaven above. It is with great sadness she leaves behind her sisters Thora (Dave) and Alda, brothers Arni (Ruth), Kris (Cathy), Carl (Wendy), David, Joe and sister in law Sharon. 

      On Tuesday Dec 29, 2015 friends and family gathered at First Lutheran Church for a celebration of her life. Pastor Michael Kurtz officiated and a heartfelt tribute was written and read by Heidi's good friend Anna Treichel. Eli and Zoe Vandelaar (Heidi's great nephew and great niece) along with Rachel Hay their friend sang a "Thora" version of Hallelujah. Her special friend Harry also said his farewell. Carl made a beautiful video presentation that, those who have copies will cherish. 

      Heidi held the distinction of being the baby of our large family born on March 31,1964. Though she did not have children of her own, she adored all those around her. She loved her 19 nieces and nephews and marveled at the fact she had 23 (and counting) great nieces and nephews. She considered all her friends children as her own too.

     The fact that Heidi loved children was evident in the porcelain dolls she made... some looking like real babies, some representing co-workers but all made with detail and love.  

     Though a very soft spoken person (who didn't have to push the receiver almost to the other ear to hear her on the phone?) Heidi was a doer. She didn't talk about doing something for someone, she just did things!  She always seemed to know when someone was in need and though she could not afford to give, she gave generously.  She gave her time and her talents whether it was to make a meal, a birthday cake (another of her artistic abilities) or a double recipe of ponnukokur. She would clean your house, babysit, paint your walls, renovate or help with yard work.  She was quiet and yes usually late... but man could she get things done!  She will be missed.

     Heidi was a loyal friend and it was very evident by the friends who attended her service. They came from her early childhood days (Robyn and Lee) to her dear friends from the Wpg Clinic to all the friends from her current job at the Health Science center where she just received her 15 years of service pin.  One of these friends informed the "Coke" company they had just lost a loyal consumer... and Coke donated t-shirts to wear at her service! She would have loved that!

     There are so many things that will remind us of Heidi...a can of Coke, Eeyore, hot chocolate over flowing with whipped cream before bed, a moose or taking a long walk and just enjoying nature and peace.  She will be remembered with love. It has been said that a person never dies until the last time her name is said or a thought of her passes, therefore Heidi will be here for a very long time to come. 

     We the family would like to thank the pastor, the pianist and the church people who served coffee after the service. 

      "Her busy hands are now at rest." Rest in Peace Heidi