Norbert Heitz

Norbert Heitz, 91, Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Gackle, ND, died Thursday, November 12 at St. Mary’s-Innovis Health in Detroit Lakes. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, November 15 at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, Reverend David Peterson, officiating. Interment services will be 11:00 AM Monday, November 16 at the Litchville Cemetery, Litchville, ND. Friends may call one hour prior to the funeral service at First Lutheran Church on Sunday.

Norbert Heitz was born May 20, 1918 near Gackle, ND to August and Elizabeth (Hust) Heitz. He was raised near Gackle and worked on the family farm. Norbert was united in marriage with Martha Kubler in 1938 in Gackle. They lived in rural Gackle until 1951 when Norbert started working with telephone line construction and they moved to a number of communities. In 1966 they moved to Litchville, ND where they also operated a restaurant. Martha died in 1967. Norbert moved to Detroit Lakes in 1981 and retired in 1983. For many years, Norbert led the Silver Star Trio band which played throughout the area.

Norbert enjoyed old time music, dancing, spending time with his “”Sweetheart”, Thora Theisen, playing cards and watching the Minnesota Twins.

Norbert’s survivors include three daughters and a son: Shirley Sautbine of Walker, MN, Jenny (Steve) Berglund of Milaca, MN, Chuck (Shirlee) Heitz of Big Lake, MN, Peggy Ziegler of Walker, MN; nine grandchildren: Perry, Dale, Jodie, Dean, Randy, Angie, Missy, Stacy, Jackie; 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; one sister, Rayanda Eichele of Lodi, CA. In addition to his wife, Martha, he was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.