Muriel Luan Heideman
February 27, 2021
Muriel Luan Heideman, 91, passed away February 27, 2021 at her home at The Lodge of Ashworth, West Des Moines, Iowa.
Muriel Luan Tucker Heideman was born November 10, 1929 in Medford, Wisconsin, the daughter of James Berlin and Edna Johanna (Arends) Tucker. She graduated from Hampton High School, with the class of 1946; she then attended and graduated from Iowa State Teacher’s College. She furthered her education and earned a BA degree in elementary education from Buena Vista College.
On June 7, 1949 Muriel was united in marriage to Vonne Heideman at the Church of Christ in Hampton, Iowa. Muriel and Vonne made their home on a farm north of Rockwell City near South Twin Lake from 1949 until 1992. Upon retirement, they moved to Des Moines where they built their new home. In 2011, they moved to The Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines.
Muriel was an elementary teacher for many years. She taught in Webster City, Rockwell City and Pomeroy, Iowa. She had a passion for teaching children, and also loved teaching piano. Muriel was active in the Rockwell City United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, was superintendent of Sunday School, and sang in the choir. In Rockwell City she was a member of Study Club, HOA and American Association of University Women. Currently she was a member of West Des Moines Christian Church. Muriel was a fifty year member and past president of PEO; a member of Chapter EG, Rockwell City, and presently, Chapter KO, Des Moines.
Muriel is survived by her husband, Vonne; children, Anne (Kim) Foster of Omaha, Nebraska, and Steven (Julie) Heideman of Des Moines; grandchildren, Amy Foster Wolfe of Round Rock, Texas, Brad (Carrie) Foster of Temecula, California, Melissa (David) Rigler of Waukee, Jonathan (Beth) Heideman of Chicago, and Megan (Harrison) Kruse of Des Moines; great-grandchildren, Derek and Evan Foster, and Lillian, Benjamin and Katherine Rigler; brother, James B. Tucker (Donna) of Fresno, California; sister, Barbara Clark (John) of Dallas, Texas; sister-in-law, Betty Heideman of Fort Dodge, and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Bonnie Tucker Thomas; and brother-in-law, Dean Fitz Heideman.
A public viewing will be held Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Family will not be present. A private service will be held on Friday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Rockwell City, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dave Proudfit (Lodge resident)
03/03/2021
So sorry for your loss. I didn't know Muriel well but I know she had a wonderful loving caregiver in Vonne.
Jeannie Tursi Tison
03/02/2021
Muriel had such patience teaching my kids piano. One could tell she really loved doing it. So classy, and always well dressed with lipstick and jewelry. Always had positive things to say. There is sure to be beautiful music in heaven
Shelli Backstrom
03/02/2021
Muriel was a wonderful piano teacher to our children-she was so kind to all the children she taught. For birthdays one year she mailed a stick of gum in a birthday card. Our children were so delighted-Muriel was such a thoughtful person-she was very special!
Susan Whiting Reese
03/02/2021
Muriels brother Jim Tucker married my sister Donna Whiting in Iowa City; Steve and I were the little ring bearer and flower girl. Muriel was kind, smart and funny. A lovely lady.
Marlene Buckley
03/02/2021
Muriel was a dear friend of my parents in Rockwell City, and a joy for me to encounter in Des Moines. She leaves lovely memories for many.
Ron and Elizabeth Whiting
03/02/2021
Jim Tucker is Ron's brother in law. Muriel was so kind to both of us. She send a lovely note to Elizabeth on the death of her father in 1985. We recently found the letter and sent in on to Jim and Donna. It was not the only lovely note and kindness she expressed to us over the years. Our thoughts and sympathy are with you.
Claire Crnic
03/01/2021
Such a wonderful lady. Rest In Peace dear Muriel