Louise "Lou" M. Heino

Louise (Lou) Marie Heino, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024 at Pelican Landing Assisted Living in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Lou was born on June 19, 1933 to Dr. Clifford and Marguerite Aamoth in Twin Valley, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church and graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1951. She then attended Moorhead State Teachers College earning a teaching certificate in 1953. Lou taught first grade in Gary, MN from 1953 – 1955. She then moved to Detroit Lakes and taught first grade at Lincoln School for 5 years.

While teaching in Detroit Lakes, Lou met her husband, Ray Heino. They were married on June 7, 1958 in Twin Valley, MN and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Together they raised their three daughters: Kari, Nancy and Lori. She was privileged to be a stay-at-home mom during their school years.  Her daughters were the joy of her life as were her five grandchildren.

Lou went back to college and earned credits to be certified to substitute teach. She enjoyed substitute teaching for 15 years.  She was a member of the local chapter, Alpha Theta, an International Sorority for female teachers. She was also a very active member at First Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School for numerous years and served on the Altar Guild where she enjoyed making home-made communion wafers. She belonged to a Church Circle group and enjoyed the many Bible studies and fellowship with other circle members. Lou also served as a Camp-Fire leader for all her daughters’ groups.

Lou loved to read books and was an avid reader her entire life, also belonging to the local Library Club. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles and played Bridge with friends for several decades.  Lou’s most treasured memories are the summers she spent with her family at their beloved property on Island Lake. She enjoyed every summer there since 1966.

Lou is survived by her three daughters: Kari (Brent) Heinle, Fargo, ND, Nancy (Tom) Olson, Detroit Lakes, MN and Lori (Keith) Billig, Victorville, CA, five grandchildren: Austin, Lauren, Henry, Brooke and Alyssa; and four great-grandchildren: Helena, Gregory, Easton and Benedict. She is also survived by two nieces, Carol (Dean) Spizcka and Gail Mueller, nephew George (Gerry) Heino, along with great-nieces/nephew: Gina, Mike, Cheryl and families.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Ray in 2021. Also preceding her death were her parents, her brother Cliff and nephew Michael.

The family would like to thank the amazing care staff at Pelican Landing for the outstanding and loving care they provided to Mom since 2019. She considered them part of her family.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, March 6 at West-Kjos Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral service at First Lutheran. The funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 7 at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Burial will take place at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery. West-Kjos Funeral Home is serving the family and handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider donating to a charity close to your heart in Lou’s memory.