Born and raised on a farm in rural Elmore, Minnesota, Midge graduated from Lakota High School in Iowa and moved to the Twin Cities after marrying Elnor "Al" Heidecker. Together they shared 71 years of marriage, building a family, a home they lived in for 66 years full of memories, and a life grounded in love and family.
Midge worked at Brown & Bigelow and later at Presbyterian Homes in the kitchen, where her family believes she discovered her gift for showing love through food. She later worked as a vending machine technician for Aramark, where she remained until her retirement. She also spent twenty years as a Tupperware sales representative. While she enjoyed sharing her products with others, those closest to her know she may have been one of Tupperware's best customers.
Midge found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved crocheting, working on puzzles, playing Bingo and baking her famous Monster cookies and lemon bars. More than anything, she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Family was always her highest priority, and she was known for being just a phone call away whenever someone needed help.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Elnor "Al" Heidecker; her son, Deron Heidecker, his wife Bev, and their daughter Abbey; her daughter, Denise Wynn, her husband Kevin, and their children Maeve and Rae; her sisters, Ramona "Monie" Bailey and Linda Roemmich; and many beloved nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna Gallagher, and her sisters, Lorraine "Rainy" Thomsen and Marilyn Greenwood and several cherished brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nephews.
Midge was loving, generous, funny, strong-willed, and occasionally feisty, a combination that made her unmistakably herself. Her family always knew where they stood with her, and they never doubted how much she loved them. To her family, she was simply Mom and Grandma, roles she treasured above all else.
Midge often showed her love through actions more than words. Whether she was baking Monster cookies and lemon bars, helping prepare for a family gathering, pitching in on a home renovation project, or bringing food to those hard at work, she was always finding ways to care for the people around her. She showed up when she was needed and gave of herself in countless practical ways. Her love, strength, and devotion to family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Join us to celebrate Midge's life on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Visitation at 11 am, with service at 12 pm. Burial at 1 pm at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids. Luncheon will be held at the funeral home after burial.
