Norbert Heitz

May 20, 1918-Nov. 12, 2009

Former Litchville, N.D., resident Norbert Heitz, 91, of Detroit Lakes, died Thursday, November 12, 2009 at St. Mary’s-Innovis Health in Detroit Lakes.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today (Sunday) at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, with the Rev. David Peterson officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.

Interment services will be 11 a.m. Monday, November 16 at the Litchville Cemetery in Litchville.

Norbert Heitz was born to August and Elizabeth (Hust) Heitz on May 20, 1918 near Gackle, N.D. He was raised near Gackle, and worked on the family farm.

Norbert was united in marriage with Martha Kubler in 1938 in Gackle. They lived in rural Gackle until 1951, when Norbert was working with telephone line construction and they moved to a number of communities. In 1966 they moved to Litchville, where they also operated a restaurant. Martha died in 1967.

Norbert moved to Detroit Lakes in 1981 and retired in 1983. For many years, Norbert lead the Silver Star Trio band, which played throughout the area. He enjoyed old time music, dancing, spending time with his “sweetheart,” Thora Theisen, playing cards and watching the Minnesota Twins.

Survivors include three daughters and a son, Shirley Sautbine of Walker, Minn., Jenny (Steve) Berglund of Milaca, Minn., Chuck (Shirlee) Heitz of Big Lake, Minn., and Peggy Ziegler of Walker, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Perry, Dale, Jodie, Dean, Randy, Angie, Missy, Stacy and Jackie; 17 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Rayanda Eichele of Lodi, Calif.

In addition to his wife, Martha, he was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.

The David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family. Memories may be shared online at www.daviddonehower.com.