Patricia Jean Heidner

The full and joyful life of Patricia (Pat) Jean Heidner came to a peaceful and natural end on June 22, 2026, in Santa Barbara, California. Pat was born on July 4, 1932, as the first child of Walter and Rozella Watzke. She spent her childhood in the small Midwestern town of Morris, Minnesota, and later in Amery, Wisconsin. Pat was a loving older sister to her brother Michael and her sister Marilyn (Mano). Pat began her college education at Saint Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she earned her degree in Education. During her studies at Madison, Pat met a medical student named Frederick (Fred) C. Heidner II, whom she married in 1954. Pat briefly taught as a kindergarten teacher, before setting aside her professional aspirations to raise a family. While in Wisconsin, Pat gave birth to a daughter, Greta, and a son, Frederick (Fritz). Fred’s job as a physician brought the family to Santa Barbara, California in 1961, where Pat gave birth to sons Hans and Kurt. Pat was a supportive wife and a gentle and loving mother who prioritized family above self. Pat was blessed to love and be loved by two granddaughters, Anja and Nicola, three grandsons, Ryan, Niels, and Eric, and two great-grandsons, Reid and Parker. Others dear to her heart included her son-in-law Russell Greene, her daughters-in-law Faith Heidner (Hans) and Suzi Heidner (Kurt), and two especially close friends of the family, Matt Grul and Jeannie Moore. Family and friends will remember Pat for her intelligence, kindness, optimism, generosity, selflessness, and unconditional love. Pat’s life centered on family and close friends, and on making the most of time spent together. In support of her family, Pat learned to snow ski, water ski, hike and camp. Perhaps Pat’s greatest gift to her family was the way in which she loved and lived her marriage to Fred. Pat and Fred were inseparable and very much in love throughout their 67 years of marriage. Together, Pat and Fred formed a strong foundation of support and stability for the Heidner children and grandchildren. After her kids departed on their independent paths and Fred retired, Pat and Fred took time to travel throughout the United States in their motor home, attending GMC motor home conventions, enjoying the beauty and peace of America’s natural areas, and visiting family and friends. Their shared love of music led them to attend music festivals and to become long-term supporters and attendees of the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara. Pat’s final residence was at the Valle Verde retirement community, where she and Fred lived together for 13 years, and where she continued to reside for another 4 years, following Fred’s passing in 2022. Pat lived an impactful and blessed life, and she will be greatly missed. Pat outlived almost all of her close friends. As per Pat’s wishes, she will be honored and remembered at a private family memorial to be held at the family cabin in Pembine, Wisconsin. Memorials may be sent to Music Academy of the West or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Patricia Jean Heidner

July 4, 1932 - June 22, 2026