Norma L. Heins of Rochester Hills, Michigan went to her heavenly home on October 16, 2019 at age 89. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years James and son Eric. Loving family members include children Krista Heins of Delaware, Ohio; Dayna Matthews (Zack) of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Kevin Heins of Rochester Hills, Michigan; daughter-in-law Dawn Heins; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 16 nephews and nieces. She was also preceded in death by parents Jacob and Emma Klaus; brothers Carl Klaus, Donald Klaus and Alvin Klaus; and son-in-law Jack Knapp.
Norma’s faith and church life were at the heart of how she lived every day, which began growing up in Utica, Michigan. She became a grade school teacher in the Lutheran school system upon graduation from Concordia in River Forest, Illinois. She met her husband through a Lutheran youth group as well as formed many dear friendships that remained throughout her life.
For more than 62 years, Norma was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester, Michigan, where she also taught at its school. As one of the early members of this congregation, she was a long-time choir member and participated in numerous school and church activities, most recently helping to make quilts for those in need. At home, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning, supervising many house projects and spending time with her family.
The family thanks her friends and members of the St. John congregation for their prayers, visits and caring thoughts during her illness.
Memorials in Norma’s name may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church and School Foundation or its Music Fund, 1011 W. University Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48307.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 1011 W. University Drive, Rochester on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11 a.m., with viewing beginning at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester on Friday, October 25 from 2 to 8 p.m.
