Dorothy Mae Heppner

Dorothy Mae Heppner passed from this earth to her Heavenly home on October 30, 2023.

Dorothy was born on April 13, 1925 to Abraham and Katharina Harder in Lostwood, North Dakota. Dorothy was born with a heart condition and it was considered to be unlikely that she would survive. God had wonderful plans for Dorothy, and with the attentiveness and constant care of her family, she grew into a strong and resilient young woman.

She loved to share stories about these early years in North Dakota. Although times were tough, she would light up whenever she talked about the farm and her family. In the 1937, the Harder family moved to Warroad, Minnesota. After completing the 8th grade, she worked as a housekeeper for local families. She then married the love of her life, Alfred Heppner, on May 26, 1946. Together, they lived a Christ-centered life, filled with faith, family, and farming. They were blessed with three children– Ronald, Lois, and Charles.

Dorothy devoted her entire life to serving Christ, her family, and her community. She is known for

her unwavering faith in Jesus and was a beacon of hope and truth to all those that knew her. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years at the Woodland Mennonite Church. In later years, she attended the Family Fundamental Church, and was famous for her Bible Memory. Dorothy could recite many Bible verses and enjoyed inspiring others to memorize God’s Word.

Dorothy was also a prolific writer. She wrote the “Moranville News” for the Warroad Pioneer for over 50 years. Her articles quickly became a staple of the community, and many would share that they continued to subscribe to the paper after they had moved away simply so they could read her articles. Additionally, she penned several self-published books about her life and family.

Dorothy had many friends, but none were more important than her sisters. For the past several years, they were inseparable and could often be seen around town having the time of their lives. Ann and Martha were very special to Dorothy, and while she craved more adventures with them, the promise of everlasting life with her Savior was too good to pass up.

She is dearly missed by her family and friends. Surviving Dorothy are two sisters, Ann Heppner and Martha Fast; her children, Ron (Sue) Heppner, Lois (David) Gagne, and Charles (Desi) Heppner; her twelve grandchildren; and, thirty-two great grand children. Preceding her in death is her husband, Alfred; and her parents; siblings Kate, Pete, Nettie, Marie, Fred, Margaret, Abe, George, Cornelius; and 2 great grandchildren Amos Clark and Heidi Heppner.

The community is invited to celebrate her life in Christ at the Woodland Bible Church in Warroad on Saturday, November 11, 2023 with the service at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Camp Good News Scholarship Fund.

1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to the only and wise God, be honor and glory. forever and ever. Amen.

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