Eloise Ruth (Shjegstad) Heathfield was born on September 3, 1945 in Garretson, SD to Reuben and Evelyn Shjegstad. Eloise grew up on a farm in south-west Minnesota, near Pipestone with her four sisters. After leaving the farm, the family moved to Sauk Center, MN. Some years later, the family moved to Atwater, MN, where she graduated from Atwater High School in 1963. Eloise met her future husband, Teddy, while taking a zoology class at St. Cloud State. She graduated in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in science education.

Eloise and Ted were joined in holy matrimony in 1966 in Atwater, MN and they welcomed their first child, Daniel, later that year. She taught Life Science at Rocori High School in Cold Spring, MN for 3 years. After Teddy’s graduation from St. Cloud State in 1970, they moved from Cold Spring to Underwood, MN. In 1970, while in Underwood, Eloise and Ted welcomed their second child, Bonnie. In 1972, the family moved to Amery, WI, which would become their family home. Eloise continued teaching in various communities. Their third child, Amy, was born in 1973. In 1979, their fourth child, Sara, was born, and their family was complete. After some time, Eloise decided to begin a second career in which she was the Director of the Polk County Housing Authority. She retired from this position in 2011.

Eloise and Ted traveled to Europe on multiple occasions while doing genealogy research for the book she wrote with a great emphasis on Scandinavian countries. Additionally, many trips were taken across the continental U.S. as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Many summers were spent camping with her kids and grandkids.

In retirement, Eloise had many passions. She loved beauty and craftsmanship, which showed in her gifted stain glass work. She found joy tending to her extensive flower gardens, which were often enjoyed by members of the community, even being featured in the local newspapers. She also enjoyed out-fishing Ted, sewing, quilting and making hats and mittens for the local schools and family.

She cherished having breakfast in her garden with her lifelong friends, Les and Gerry. She was also an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran church in Amery.

Eloise passed away on February 11, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents and infant brother, Guy Aaron.

Left to celebrate her life is her husband of nearly 58 years, Teddy. She is also survived by her children, Dan (Susan) Heathfield, Bonnie (Mike) Flatten, Amy Heathfield, Sara (Benny) Hamblin; 7 grandchildren, Kaylyn Danielson, Stephanie (Joe) Schwartz, Chris (Cai) Heathfield, David (Karcyn) Heathfield, Jesse Flaherty, Lester Hamblin, and Mary Flaherty; one great-grandson, Harrison Schwartz; as well as her sisters, Wauneta Veeder, Phyllis Overson, Laura (Lee) Koebnick, and Audrey (Gary) Reinholdt.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, Wisconsin. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amery with a visitation beginning one hour prior at the church. Interment will take place at the Amery Cemetery following the service.

Last Update: Feb 13, 2024 2:28 pm CST