Katharina Heide

Katharina Heide, age 89 of Warren, died Sunday, September 20, 2020 at My Doctors Inn of Sterling Heights, Michigan. She was born September 11, 1931 in Croatia, the cherished daughter of the late Adam and the late Maria (nee: Hoffmann) Kiefer.

A refugee from post-World War II Croatia, the year was 1952 when this 21 year old made her way to America in search of a new beginning in the Land of Opportunity. It was that same year that love blossomed in Katharina’s life when she met, and ultimately married, the man who would sweep her off her feet, a handsome young American soldier by the name of Carl. The two lovebirds fell deeply for each other,…were elated to welcome two beautiful sons into their world,…and were blessed to share a wonderful 50 years together until Carl’s passing in 2002. Being the proud and responsible “new American” that she was, Katharina decided to make her presence here in the United States official,…and in 1957 was sworn in as a new American citizen.

Along with being a wife, raising a family, and attending to the needs of home & hearth, there were 11 years of Katharina’s life that she spent working outside of the home as a seamstress for the Ford Motor Company. During her time with the automotive giant, she was an integral part of the stitchery team of workers who fabricated the thousands of seats that went into the myriad of Ford automobiles that rolled off the line and into the driveways of America. With her extreme talents and expertise in sewing, it wasn’t long before the powers-to-be were taking notice of her leadership capabilities and decided to elevate her to a management position within the company. She would ultimately retire from Ford’s as a Seamstress Manager.

In her earlier days, Katharina loved to dance and could “cut-a-rug” with the best of them. It seemed like she and Carl were steady dates down at the dance hall and truly enjoyed tripping the light fantastic together. When she & Carl were out there swingin’, waltzin’ and fox trottin’, they had the world by the tail. There wasn’t anything they could do wrong, and quite often looked just like Fred & Ginger in each others’ arms. But when it came to one of Katharina’s favorites, the Polka, that is when Carl had to sadly bow out and defer to the more able of his species,…the Polka Prince’s in the hall.

Another of the fun things that Katharina loved sharing with Carl were the bowling extravaganzas. From the friendly outings to the league nights & banquets, they always garnered great enjoyment from sitting around the ball return (between rolls) engaging in the friendly banter and competition that accompanied a day or evening down at the alleys. Forever in search of that elusive 300 Game, Katharina & Carl enjoyed the many wonderful memories made over the years with their bowling balls in tow.

For those who truly knew Katharina, they’ll also be able to attest to the additional fun she enjoyed with board games,…specifically the games of Scrabble and Chess. Being quite the “thinker” and one to strategize, it was no mystery that she was able to shine at both these games,…and often did. From placing the opportune tile to maneuvering just the right chess piece, the name of the game was having a plan and working the plan, and Katharina had that down in spades. She didn’t always win. But for you to have done so, you surely needed to come with your “A-Game.”

But of all the pastimes she enjoyed the most, Katharina’s Joy of Gardening reigned supreme. From her many gorgeous varietals of flowers to those succulent fruits and vegetables that populated her garden, her painstaking efforts and expertise were evidenced by all who partook of its splendor. Possessing the heart of a horticulturalist and the patience of a saint, Katharina poured the finer points of her tender-loving-care into the nurturing of her garden,…and never ceased to reap a wonderful harvest, both furtively and emotionally.

Katharina will also be remembered for her deep and abiding faith in God. Devout in her Catholic beliefs, she was a longtime parishioner of the Patronage of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Detroit.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Katharina’s life was full of rich history,…her legacy of love was rich with lessons that will remain long after today,…and her character touched a multitude of hearts and souls as she journeyed this side of Heaven. May she now enjoy the many blessings on the other side until she is reunited, once again, with her loved one’s in our “Home in the Sky.”    

Katharina was the beloved wife of the late Carl Nicklous Heide. Dearest mother of Edwin (Lorinda) Heide and Herbert (Cindy) Heide. Loving grandmother of Adam, Alex, Andrea (Anthony) Tranchida, Lauren (Spencer) Caldwell, Alexa (fiancé, John), and great-grandmother of Ana, James,…and one on the way. 

Growing up in Croatia amidst the aftermath of World War II, Katharina was blessed to have a very special relationship with three of her 1st cousins whom she affectionately considered more like her brother and two sisters than anything else. From the European village of Keschinzi where they shared their early years to their respective homes here in America, this Fabulous Foursome created a host of wonderful memories together and remained quite close amidst their distances. Also surviving to cherish Katharina’s memory are Rosi Dydyn of California, Peter Hoffmann of Wisconsin, and the three of them had previously mourned the loss of their fourth sister & cousin, Maria Abt.  

Visitation for Katharina will be held Monday, September 28th from 3-9 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. She will lie in state on Tuesday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 26262 Ryan Road in Warren, Michigan. 

Burial will follow Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan, where she will join her beloved Carl.

Please share memories of Katharina at her guest book below.