Gretchen G. (Hawley) Heidtman (1945-2012)

Gretchen Heidtman

Gretchen G. Heidtman, 67, died December 11, 2012, at the Clairidge House in Kenosha Wisconsin.

She was born May 19, 1945, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to James R. and Cecelia A. (Schmorrow) Hawley. Her father worked at American Motors in Kenosha and her mother was a homemaker. Gretchen was a life long resident of Kenosha and graduated from Bradford High School.

Gretchen always had a smile on her face and was the best mother, friend, sister, grandmother anyone could have ever asked for.  Although she didn’t have much, she would give you the last bit of food in her cupboard if you were hungry, the shirt off her back if you were cold and a great big hug if you were hurting. She will be missed by all of us beyond belief. May her weary soul rest, after this long fight she has had. Your memory will live on forever in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by both her parents and four brothers, Roy, James, John and Burt Hawley. Gretchen is survived by four children, Amy (Thomas) Hernandez of Kenosha; Tammy (Mark) Rolfe-Fuller of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin; Jennie (Patrick) Smith of St. Germain, Wisconsin and Robert (Nene) Heidtman of Clarksville, Tennessee.

Gretchen is survived by her sisters, Geraldine Gianinni, Betty Pulera, Lois Katt, Joyce Metcalf, Melody Young, and brothers William, Charles, Michael and Thomas Hawley.

She leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Isaiah Soto; Ana, Andrew, Angelina and Ian Hernandez; Heather (Smith) Will; Natasha (Rolfe) Wiberg; Madelyne Fuller; Amanda and Tyler Heidtman and four great-grandchildren.

Gretchen also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, and many good friends at the Villa Nova Apartment in Kenosha.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Kemper Center Founders Hall. (6501-3rd Avenue) Visitation with the family will be on Saturday at Founders Hall from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Thoughts for Gretchen G. (Hawley) Heidtman (1945-2012);

  • Mariano & Anita Rosales says:

    Amy and Family,

    Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. I am sure she was an amazing woman:) We love you and are praying for you all to get through this. She is your Angel in heaven now. xoxo Cousin Anita & Family

  • Thank you for all the smiles and giggles we shared. For the hugs, the tears, the secrets that only sisters can understand. For being there when times were good, bad, or even when distance seperated us. You are forever in my heart and in my soul and I love you.

    ~

    Melody

  • May you rest in peace my dear. Im thankful I was chosen that night by you, to share a laugh and stories. Your children had an amazing mother. Especially when they where the last people you talked about. I will miss you dearly. <3

      • Jennie,
        No need to thank me. I love my residents and my job. All I can say is her last moments were filled with laughs. (: Your mother is simply an amazing person. Im here if you need anything. (262)358-0373

  • Marlene Cordero says:

    so sorry to hear about your mom,, my mom is at the Villa Nova apts.. and your mom always had a smile on her face. Even when I could see how frail she was..I enjoyed talking with her. I will miss seeing her smiling face. My mom Betty Orrico send her condolances also…

  • Cindy Pacheco says:

    Amy & Family,

    So sorry for your loss. Your mother was an awesome, strong, and kind woman! I can go on and on. She she going to be missed dearly. The entire family is in my prayers. God Bless!

  • I use to live at Villa Nova too. I have been gone from their for 2 years. I Keep up with the Kenosha News here in Georgia and was saddened today to hear about Gretchen passing away. I made cards for her often and sh was always so pleasant. I have missed her since I left there but I will miss her more now knowing she is no longer there. However I know she her bright smile is glowing where she is now. Rest in Peace Gretchen. Hugs! Judy

  • Jana deFaut-Thompson says:

    To Amy and her moms whole family, I am sorry for your loss at this time. In the keeping of good memories, our loved ones live on in our hearts and in our minds. My thoughts of love and peace go out to you all.

  • May you rest in peace. I was always told that it was a blessing to be there for somebody at that moment. I am thankful that I was there that night by you. We were able to laugh and share stories. I know that you are deeply loved and you love your family, you talked about you family so happily. I didn’t get to know you that well but I will miss you.

  • Denise A Dietsche says:

    Tammy, Jenny and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you. Reading the above notes about your Mom’s, I believe she had lived her life the way I remember her when we were all kids in grade school. I always thought your Mom was one of the nicest and prettiest Mom’s I remember from grade school. God rest her soul and know that she will always be with you in cherished memories of your hearts. My most sincere sympathies to your families. —Denise

  • Sherylyn Block says:

    I sincerely send my heartfelt sympathy to the family. I’m a friend of Jennie and was deeply saddened when hearing of Gretchen’s passing. It touched my heart to hear what a loving, caring person she was. As you now begin the healing process, I truly wish you comfort and peace.

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