Paula M. Heiderscheit

Paula Heiderscheit was a loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, and friend. She died peacefully on October 11, 2023 at Gundersen Medical Center.She was born to Archie and Janice (McConnell) Garbis on August 26, 1948, in La Crosse. She grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Central High School in 1966. Paula’s friend, Jean Heiderscheit, introduced Charles and Paula. It was a match made in heaven. They were married on September 28, 1968, and spent the next 55 years making a life together along with their two children. Their home was filled with love, laughter, family, and of course, a few dogs over the years. Paula loved having gatherings at the house, especially holidays with both sides of the family. It was a cozy fit, but a good time was had by all. She took great joy in baking and cooking for others. She made sure there was something for everyone, especially rice pudding!

Paula was a stay at home mom for a number of years providing in-home daycare for multiple children. Once her children got older, she was hired as secretary of St. Pius X School. She loved working with the students and families. In 1986, she began her 20+ year career at the La Crosse office of the DNR where she met many wonderful people.

Paula had a great love for her family. She and Charles were rarely apart, spending days talking, praying, reading, and sitting together on the deck. Everyone knew how proud she was of her children, Sarah and Bryan. And of course, the immense love for her grandsons, Ben and Finn, showed in her eyes as she talked about them.

If you knew Paula, then you knew she was a loyal servant to God. Prayer was an integral part of her daily life. She spent hours dedicating her life to the Catholic Church. She was involved in Parish Life at Mary, Mother of the Church, such as hospitality, chicken-ques, meals for the homeless, baking breads for the cookie walk, making desserts for funeral luncheons and many more events over the years.

Paula is survived by her husband of 55 years, Charles; daughter, Sarah (Russell) Simmons; son Bryan (Abi Cutler) Heiderscheit; grandsons Ben and Finn Cutler Heiderscheit; sister Jennifer Fowler; sisters-in-law Jean (Steve) Carter, Kathryn (Paul) Schams, Debbie Garbis; brothers-in-law, Tom (Phyllis) Heiderscheit, Jerry Heiderscheit, Bob (MaryBeth) Heiderscheit; aunt, Kathy McConnell; many loved nieces and nephews; friends Jim (Arlene) Mulhausen; the ‘church ladies’ group, Phyllis (Jerry) Venner, Carrie (Arlo) Teegarden, Sue (Mark) Halter; the “coffee ladies”, Nixie, Marjorie, Virginia, Ione; and her furry shadow, Daisy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Janice Garbis; in-laws, Leo and Kay Heiderscheit; brother, John Garbis; sister-in-law, MaryAnne Heiderscheit and good friends, Mary Brague, and Karen Hansen.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 15, from 4-7pm at Mary, Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston St. in La Crosse and Monday, October 16, an hour before the funeral. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 with Fr. Brian Konopa presiding. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Burial will take place in Burns Cemetery, Bangor, after the luncheon.

A special thank you to the EMTs, ER staff at Mayo, CCU staff at Gundersen, Dr. Ebersold, the nursing staff on the 6th floor (especially Tori and Alyssa), and Morgan from Palliative Care. You took such good care of her for those four days. We can’t thank you enough for your compassion. You are all amazing at what you do! Thank you to Fr. Konopa for the comfort and prayers that you provided us during our time of grief.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to Mary, Mother of the Church 2006 Weston St. La Crosse, WI 54601.

Matthew 25:23 Well done, good and faithful servant.