Richard Wilfred "Dick" Heytens

Richard Wilfred “Dick” Heytens, 82, of Superior, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, surrounded by his family, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.

He was born on December 19th, 1931 to Wilfred and Edna (Lozon) Heytens in Superior, WI and resided most of his life in the Superior area.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Superior.

On February 12th, 1955 he married Virginia "Ginny" Yoder and celebrated 50 years of marriage before her passing on February 13th, 2005.

Graduating from Cathedral High School, he received bachelor and masters degrees from Superior State Teachers College.

Dick enjoyed a 31-year career with the School District of Maple where he served as a teacher, principal, and business administrator. Dick also partnered with his brother Charlie to manage operations at the Hammond Bar and Lounge in Superior for several years.

Finding joy in helping others, Dick was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially when the opportunity arose to make use of his woodworking talent.

Among other kind acts, he provided residents at Benedictine Health Center with a monthly craft project and built flower boxes to adorn the outside steps of Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior.

Dick was a true craftsman, staying busy remodeling, updating or building from the ground up, family homes, a cabin, barn, truck toppers, furniture, crafts, and toys for his grandchildren and others.

We would often joke that if dad built something for us, it would never blow away or break apart; he reinforced everything that he made.

He built and reinforced our family with love and compassion. He could not be more proud of his grandchildren and loved being a part of their busy lives. He looked forward to attending their events where his cheer or applause was not the loudest, but he was their most ardent supporter.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ginny, his parents and three brothers, Robert, Roger, and Charles Heytens.

Dick is survived by his daughters, Laura Heytens, Kimberly Heytens, and Kathleen (Steven) Peterson, all of Duluth; his son, Richard (Jacki) Heytens, Brooklyn Park, MN; grandchildren, Karli and Kale Peterson, of Duluth and Maxwell and Kelli Heytens, of Brooklyn Park, MN; sisters, Eileen Flyen, Arliss Conner, and Janet (Gary) Haack, all of Superior; brothers, Russell (Dorothy) Heytens, Paul (Gloria) Heytens, all of Superior and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 30th, until the 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The Rev. James Tobolski will be celebrant.

Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.