Audrey Annette Heimstead

Audrey Annette Heimstead, 93, of Eau Claire died December 20, 2024 at Cambridge Senior Living under the care of Lily Home & Hospice.

She was born to Victor and Priscilla (Klopp) Brotzman on October 30, 1931, in Buffalo County.

She earned a diploma from Gilmanton High School, and had worked for Presto Industries, Telco Credit Union and B-Framed Galleries. She excelled at sales and was proud of her long service to Avon, bringing products door to door. She chaired and served on numerous committees at Plymouth Congregational Church, where she was a long-time member. Her main focus, however, was that of wife and mother.

She married Gordon Heimstead on August 14, 1955, at Second Congregational Church in Eau Claire. They raised two sons together, and Audrey imparted the values of family and hard work, which she learned growing up on a small dairy farm in Buffalo County. Along with her husband and sons, she enjoyed fishing most of all and learned to love the Green Bay Packers.

She is survived by two sons, Scott (Mary) Heimstead of Eau Claire and Todd (Lou) Heimstead of Eleva; two grandsons, Hunter Heimstead and Tanner Heimstead; two step-grandchildren, Jessi (Mark) Hamersky and Turner (Glendali Rodriguez) Howard; and five step-greatgrandchildren, Isabel, Henry and Elsie Hamersky, and Ruben and Lorenzo Rodriguez. She also is survived by her sister, Violet Roffler; brother-in-law, Boyd Barrier; and many nieces and nephews.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband in April 2024; her parents; brothers, Roger Brotzman and Darrell Brotzman; sisters, Jean Barrier and Judy Buchholz; and sisters-in-law, Phylis Gessler, Norma Brotzman and Jean Brotzman and brother-in-law, Louis (Marge) Heimstead.

A service, officiated by the Rev. David Huber, will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 2010 W. Moholt Drive, Eau Claire. Audrey will rest in peace at Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, Eau Claire is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at lenmarkfh.com.

Audrey's family expresses gratitude to the memory care facilities of the Beehive and Cambridge and to Lily Home & Hospice for the care they extended during the critical phases of her long illness. Caregivers often commented on Audrey's sunny disposition, her sweet demeanor, her laughter, her loving nature and the happiness she found in music. Her memories faded and were lost, but nothing could diminish her joyous spirit.