Ellen Marie Heiting, beloved wife, sister, mother, Grammie, Great Grammie, and loyal friend, passed away on November 29, 2024, at the age of 77. Ellen was born August 27, 1947, in Winona, Minnesota. The oldest daughter of Margaret (Marge) and Edward (Ed) Casper, she was the second of five children. She attended Cotter High School, Winona State College, Winona Secretarial College, the University of Minnesota, and Central College. After a year at Winona State, Ellen decided to change to business school. This decision enabled her to support her husband, Steve, in obtaining both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Ellen was a life-long learner, and even after finishing secretarial college, she took occasional classes at the University of Minnesota and Central College. Ultimately, Ellen chose to base her work life in a school setting, where she always felt most comfortable. Ellen took immense pride in providing collegiate opportunities for each of her three daughters, through her 38 years of service with the Central College Admissions Office.

Steve and Ellen were high school sweethearts, who married on June 17, 1967, in Winona, Minnesota. While they lived most of their married life in Pella, Iowa, during the late 60s and early 70s, they were also residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Grants, New Mexico. While in Minneapolis, Ellen worked in the Psychology Department at the University of Minnesota. In New Mexico, she was the editor of the Grants Daily Beacon. Steve and Ellen were blessed with 60 years together.

Ellen loved her girls, and she loved the fact that through them, she gained three sons. Her grandchildren were so special to her; she loved spending time with them and attending their sports and musical activities, which she tracked diligently on a handwritten calendar. Ellen loved it when her family would get together and play games, which often got quite loud and spirited!   

Anyone who knew Ellen knew of her passion for reading. Ellen enjoyed regularly visiting the public library, and was a member of multiple book clubs. She was a huge fan and supporter of the Central College women’s softball team, and rarely missed tuning in for a game. She was also a whiz at Jeopardy, and would often be heard saying, “I don’t know how I knew that!” Ellen was excellent at baking and cooking, and believed, “If you can read, you can cook.” She was also really fond of going to the movies with Steve.     

Ellen was courageous in her battle with cancer, throughout the last two years of her life.  She fought hard to be present for treasured family events of a graduation, two weddings, and living to be a Great Grammie.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Steve Heiting, her daughters, and their families…

Heather and Doug Van Wyk of Lakeville, Minnesota

Anna (Van Wyk) and Samson Moore

Samson Michael Moore

            Jacob and Allie Van Wyk

            Jessica (Van Wyk) and Peter Bassett

Amanda and Brandon Christiansen of Urbandale, Iowa

Emma Christiansen

Brady Christiansen

Jana and Andy Heiting-Doane of Clive, Iowa

Martin Heiting-Doane

Ellen Heiting-Doane

She is also survived by…

Brothers: Mike Casper, Mark (Judy) Casper

Sisters: Carrie (Bob) Boland, Ann (Clyde Stutesman) Casper

Brothers-in-Law:  Tom Heiting, Tony (JoAnn) Heiting, Fr. Paul Heiting

Sister-in-Law:  Patricia Murphy

Many nieces, nephews, and scores of book club friends

Ellen was preceded in death by…

Parents:  Edward and Margaret Casper

Parents-in-Law:  Earl and Betty Heiting

Sister-in-Law:  Christine Heiting