Lillian Joyce Heine (nee Larson), 99, was born to Clarence and Johanna Larson (nee Martin) near Sheldon, North Dakota. Lillian moved to Fargo when she was very young and graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1943. She studied Home Economics and Life Sciences, earning a bachelor’s degree in education from North Dakota State University.
While attending NDSU, Lillian joined Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, where she developed her love of playing bridge. She also met the very handsome World War II veteran, Robert J. Heine. Sparks flew on their first date, arranged by a mutual fraternity friend. After many dates, including military balls and costume parties, Lillian and Robert were engaged. Miss Larson began her teaching career at Grafton High School, and they were married in 1948 in Fargo, ND. Mrs. Heine taught for a year in Grafton before the young couple began their family.
Lillian later returned to teaching and taught for over 29 years at Drayton High School. Among her favorite subjects that she taught were Independent Living (nicknamed “Bachelor’s Survival”), Family Living, Biology, and many Home Ec. courses. She was always pleased and proud to have impacted the lives of young people, and she received many letters of thanks from former students. Often the quiet, behind-the-scenes champion of students who needed extra compassion or assistance during their challenging teen years, she assumed the role naturally and made a difference.
For over seven decades, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its LWML in Drayton, ND. Her faith and kind heart often prompted her to do things for others. Her special deliveries of fresh caramel rolls always brightened someone’s day. Lillian enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge with friends, and other card games with family. Her stoic ability to bluff amazed her grandchildren but surprised none of her children.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Robert; her sister, Arla Willoughby; her brother, Lyle Breen; and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Heine. She is survived by her four children, Richard (Kim) of Tucson, AZ; Robin of St. Louis Park, MN; Thomas (Kristi) of Drayton, ND; and Elizabeth (James) Stellon of Richfield, MN. Also missing her dearly are her six grandchildren, Erik (Patty) Heine, Erin (Adam) Rausch, Katrina (Aaron) Krueger, Dustin (Eden) Heine, Anthony (Dominique) Stellon, and Jack (Jamie) Stellon, along with her 11 great grandchildren. She leaves behind extended family and friends that she always treasured.
A memorial service is planned for the Spring 2025. Details will be available at a later date. In the spirit of her enthusiasm for education, memorials are preferred to the Lillian Heine Scholarship Fund. They may be sent to KodaBank, PO Box 369, Drayton, ND 58225. “Mrs. Heine” will continue to encourage students through this scholarship for higher education.
Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home, Drayton, ND.