Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1
Marilyn Ruth (Hull) Heinert was born on October 15, 1930, in Rosebud, South Dakota, to Everett and Freda (Whipple) Hull. The oldest of four girls, Marilyn spent much of her childhood in the Parmelee area, where she would one day build a life and raise her own family.
Marilyn’s early years were filled with love, happiness and family. They lived near Parmelee but moved to the Black Hills and then to Montana before returning to the area. She often told stories of sharing chores with her sisters, playing with paper dolls and the clothes her mother would sew for them. Marilyn loved her parents dearly and treasured their memories. They brought her great comfort and remained some of her strongest memories for the rest of her life.
Marilyn met Reuben Heinert at a dance in Mission. “He was good-looking, and he could dance,” was always her laughing response when asked about her husband. They were married on June 12, 1948, at St. John Lutheran Church in Norris, SD. Marilyn and Reuben built a life farming and ranching together. She was a real ranch wife, driving truck, spending time in the fields, milking cows and keeping house. Marilyn and Reuben were true partners, side-by-side in everything they did for the next 40 years.
Their house was soon filled with the laughter and endless mischief of their children. Marilyn brought nine sons into the world, and being a mother was her greatest joy. There was never a dull moment at their house, but Marilyn made sure there was always time to be together as a family. She was a loving mother and unwavering presence who gave her kids everything they needed and more.
As the years went on, Marilyn’s family grew. She was the proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, and she loved being a part of their lives. From games and plays to graduations and weddings, she would be there whenever she could, waiting with a hug. Her house was always open to her family, becoming the gathering place for holidays and celebrations. Whether it was for an afternoon to bake cookies or a long summer weekend, she filled that time with special moments her grandchildren will cherish forever.
Marilyn always sought out new things to learn and experience. She painted, played the organ, clogged, crocheted, quilted, baked wedding cakes and traveled around the country. Marilyn served as President for the Chamberlain Zone of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and as a long-time board member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. She was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church. She loved her hobbies and the chances they brought her to connect with others.
Marilyn loved her home outside Parmelee, and she lived there until 2014 when she moved to Cherry Hills Estate in Valentine, NE. She enjoyed the community, hospitality and wonderful people who cared for her. She then moved to the Kadoka Nursing Home where she spent the last few years of her life in the loving care of the nurses and staff.
Throughout the course of her life, Marilyn carried the love of Jesus in her heart. Her faith was her constant companion and the cornerstone of her life. She poured out God’s love to her family, friends and all whom she met, sharing her deep belief in and reliance on the Lord. She looked forward to a future without pain or sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of God.
Marilyn was called home to the Lord on January 5, 2022. Waiting to greet her in heaven was her husband, Reuben Heinert; her sons Harold, Michael and Mark Heinert; her parents, Everett and Freda Hull; her sisters Wanda Sazama and Eunice Jones; and her great-grandson Jonathan Marshall.
She was survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Margo Heinert of Mission, SD; Everett and Mary Heinert of Alva, WY; Gary and Anne Heinert of Parmelee, SD; Robert and Donna Heinert of Honolulu, HI; Ed and Louise Heinert of Sparks, NE; Stanley and Maureece Heinert of Parmelee, SD; and Randy Heinert of Elk Point, SD; her sister and brothers-in-law, Judy and Jack Bristow of Mission, SD; John Sazama of Mission, SD; and Martin Lewis Jones of Mission, SD; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ruth and Dick Stiefel of Crookston, NE; Raymond and Joanne Heinert of Cleveland, OH; and Paul and Jackie Heinert of Custer, SD; along with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Graveside service for Marilyn Heinert age 91 of Parmelee, SD will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 2:00 PM at St. John Cemetery's in Norris, SD. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Mrs. Heinert passed away on Jan. 5 in Kadoka, SD.