Heitzig, Grace Kathrine
Age 12, of Maple Grove, MN, Grace “Gracie” Kathrine Heitzig unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. She is welcomed into heaven by her beloved paternal grandmother Mary “Grandy” Heitzig and her maternal grandparents Joyce “Grandma Joyce” Garbutt and Jack “Grandpa” Garbutt. Her spirit lives on with her surviving family that includes her parents Katie and Charlie, her sister Ellie, her crazy Auntie Mary, Uncle John (Rowena), Uncle Rich (Laure), Auntie Barb (Drew), Auntie Mona, her loving cousins Joseph, Christopher, Maddie, Derek, Rachel, and Mary, and her especially awesome “Pop”, Jack Heitzig, the patriarch of the family.

She leaves a legacy of bringing joy, sunshine and giggles to all who knew her. Her adventurous spirit was contagious and brought many new experiences to everyone. She did not just live her life as if her glass was half full but instead it was overflowing with hope and possibilities. She will continue to live among us but we will need to adjust our way of viewing her. Once that happens, her joyous nature will continue to bring us true happiness.

Grace experienced her first season of the Maple Grove High School girls swim team this year. She astonished everyone with how quickly she took off—literally! She may have followed in her big sister Ellie’s footsteps, but she did it her way, and on her terms. Her coaches and team mates were great mentors, giving her the courage and the confidence to take on the more grueling races. She was fearless. That same energy propelled her into the Maple Grove Nordic Team this winter. Again, coaches and seasoned skiers propped her up and pushed her forward (perhaps literally).

In her spare time, beautiful piano music could be heard coming from the living room. She was so proud of how far she had come. Flute was her second love, mostly because it involved more social time with her favorite “peeps”. Art projects cover her bedroom walls—some her own inspirations, some group projects—but all with the same unique imprint that Grace made on everything she did.
Nothing will ever compare though, to how Grace truly came alive when she went to our family cottage in Ely, MN on White Iron Lake. Rustic and small, the cottage was more than enough to satisfy her curiosity. Cold lake temperatures did not hold her back from anything in the water—skiing, tubing, water skiing, or swims around the island. Family outings with White Iron Lake ladies were a highlight, and getting the cabin gang together made her eyes sparkle.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHOLIC CHURCH (7800 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove) on Friday, January 9 from 5-8 PM. A funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 10 at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 9 AM and luncheon to follow. Donations are preferred in lieu of flowers, to Sharing and Caring Hands. All are welcome to come and celebrate the magnificent life of Grace Kathrine Heitzig.