Rita E. Heigaard

Rita Elizabeth (Widme) Heigaard, age 84, of Crystal, ND passed away Saturday peacefully surrounded by family on January 3rd, 2015 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Crystal, ND. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a7:00 p.m. vigil service at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Internment will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Crystal, ND in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Patrick's Care-Hunger Fund.
Rita was born October 18, 1930 in Crystal, ND, the daughter of Louis and Laura (Flanagan) Widme. Rita graduated in 1948 from Crystal High School. She attended Aakers Business School in Grand Forks, ND, where she graduated in July of 1950. After graduation, Rita moved to California, where she worked for some time before returning home to care for her mother. Rita was united in marriage to Kristjan A. Heigaard on June 7, 1958 in Crystal. The couple made their home in Crystal where they raised their family. She worked as a secretary for the Valley Schools for 30 years.
Rita was active in her community throughout her life. She was involved with her Church, serving in St. Patrick's Altar Society, St. Patrick's Care and the church choir. She was a devout woman of faith. She was also a member of the Pembina County Pioneer Daughters. She enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, word games, and history. Rita enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Survivors include her son, Stephen (Shelley) Heigaard, Park River, ND; daughter, Hollis (Patrick) Deisz, Eagan, MN; grandchildren: Nathan (Ashley Blasky) Heigaard, Park River, ND; Brady (Johanna) Heigaard, Park River, ND; Cass Heigaard, Minneapolis, MN; Samuel and Malcolm Deisz, Eagan, MN; and four great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Mary Ellen Salwei, and husband, Kristjan.