Archived Services

Marjorie "Marj" Heimerman
12-19-2008

Marjorie (Marj) Laliberte Heimerman, 93, died on December 19, 2008 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Marj was born on February 22, 1915, in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Canada, and moved to Fargo at age 11. She graduated from North Dakota State University and went on to teach English Literature and served as a librarian in several small North Dakota and Minnesota communities before marrying Bill Heimerman in 1944. Marj was a founding Board Member of the Civic Fine Arts Association, and served in leadership roles with the Cub and Girl Scouts, McKennan Hospital Auxiliary, St. Mary's Altar Society and the Crippled Children's Hospital Auxiliary. Marj's passion was art; both as participant and supporter of the local art community. During the 70's and 80's she exhibited her artwork with a group of local artists known informally as the "Lunch Bunch." Later on, Marj spent several years researching the Laliberte family genealogy and successfully traced her family roots to the 1500's. Marj and Bill enjoyed traveling extensively and until recently spent their winters in Arizona, where they enjoyed the companionship of their extended families and close South Dakota friends. When we think of Marj we think of a strong, confident woman who wasn't even 5 feet tall. She had an infectious laugh, an opinion about everything and a strong argument to support it. She was a creative, original thinker who loved to read and hated to cook. Marj is survived by Bill, her husband of 64 years, and three children: Kent, Sioux Falls, SD, Beth (Jerry) Arntzen, Chicago, IL, and Jon (Karen McKeon) Alexandria, VA. She also leaves behind her four cherished grandchildren: Erik Arntzen, Jennifer Picciano, Casey Heimerman and Jack Heimerman. She was preceded in death by her brother: Leness Laliberte and her sister: Helen Clapham. Her youngest brother: Jerome Laliberte currently lives in Corvallis, OR. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools or Avera McKennan Hospice. The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers from The Inn at Westport and Avera McKennan Hospice. Visitation will be Monday, 6:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:00 AM at St. Mary Church.