Dolorous M. (Deutsch) Heffner
Dolorous Marie (Deutsch) Heffner, 84, of Trempealeau, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, January 28, 2024.
Dolorous was born February 28, 1939, to Birdella (Coyle) and Michael Deutsch, and graduated from Healy Memorial High School in Trempealeau in 1957. On August 3, 1957, Dolorous married Larry J. Heffner at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Trempealeau.
Hard-working her entire life, Dolorous held many jobs, but loved her time behind the wheel of her school bus the most. She drove generations of Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau children to and from school for over 35 years. Dolorous’ family enjoyed hearing how much she meant to so many of her former passengers throughout the years. She showed love (sometimes even the tough kind), to every kid who stepped onto her bus, and made a positive impact to everyone she encountered.
Dolorous brought joy and camaraderie into every part of life through her love of music. Starting with the ukulele at age 10, Dolorous was a self-taught musician, who went on to learn the basics of every type of instrument under her esteemed band director, Eugene Steffes. She loved playing her guitar along with friends and family who played and sang and told stories right along with her. Sing-alongs were a part of family gatherings, community functions, church events, and many still remember her and her twin sister, Doris, entertaining campers at Perrot State Park over the years.
Dolorous is survived by her sons: Dean (Terry), Daniel, Joseph (Perian); and daughter, Shirley; siblings: Robert Deutsch, Shirley Younce, and Doris Deutsch; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Larry Heffner; and her parents, Birdella (Coyle) and Michael Deutsch.
Dolorous’ family extends sincere appreciation to all friends and family for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers, and especially to Bonnie of Age-In-Place, staff and caregivers at Moments Hospice of La Crosse, WI, and her dear friend of many adventures, Mary Leavitt.
Visitation and funeral service were held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, Trempealeau.
Condolences may be sent to 11742 King St., Trempealeau, WI, 54661.
