Wilma Ruth Heeter

Wilma Ruth (Steinbrecher) Heeter
August 15, 1928 – October 4, 2025
With deep sorrow, we announce that our beloved mother, Wilma Ruth (Steinbrecher) Heeter, age 97, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, was welcomed into eternal life with her Lord and Savior on October 4, 2025.
Wilma was born on August 15, 1928 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin to Henry and Catherine Steinbrecher. Wilma spent her early childhood in Windsor, Colorado where her parents farmed sugar beets. They instilled in her the values of hard work, faith, and compassion, traits she carried throughout her life. At age five, her parents moved the family back to Wisconsin for employment opportunities and a better life in Milwaukee.
Wilma graduated from Custer High School in 1946 and entered the workforce as a secretary. She met the love of her life, Walter Heeter, at a Milwaukee Eagles Club dance, and they married on his birthday, June 24, 1950, in Milwaukee. They spent 49 years together until his passing in 2000. In that time, they welcomed their first child, Kathy, in January 1953 but faced tragedy a year later when she died unexpectedly. Their strong faith carried them through until they were blessed with five more children between 1957 and 1965. Family was everything to Wilma and in 1958, she and Walter were thrilled to buy a new Milwaukee home, on North 81st street, where they raised their family. Faith was a centerpiece of family life where they were longtime and active members of St. Peter Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Wilma was a dedicated and loving mother who earned the title of "Supermom." In the late 1960's, she worked third shift in a plastics factory, then somehow found the energy to care for her young family by day. Her life improved in 1970 when she placed seventh out 1000 applicants on an aptitude test for a case aid position, with the Milwaukee Department of Public Welfare. She was hired and enjoyed a lengthy career advancing to a supervisor position. Her professional life reflected her personal mission serving others, uplifting them, and help them find strength in themselves.
The family spent many great weekends at their vacation lot on Lake Camelot where Walter and Wilma eventually built a home and retired. After Walter's passing, Wilma moved to a Pewaukee condominium to be closer to her family. During this time, her motherly love was on full display, as she provided much love and support to her daughter Diane, who faced struggles as a single mom.
Wilma's last years were spent at Kirkland Crossings in Pewaukee, where she received compassionate care, especially in her final years.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Catherine Steinbrecher, husband, Walter Heeter, infant daughter Kathy, daughter Diane (Heeter) Updike, sister Irene (Steinbrecher) Semenske, brother Donald Steinbrecher, nephew Mark Steinbrecher, and son-in-law William Swiedarke.
She is survived by her loving children Susan (William†) (Ben) Maupin, Lee (Misty) Heeter, John (Lauri) Heeter, and Jean (Bruce) Stutt, her cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Swiedarke) Young, Jacob Swiedarke, Amanda (Heeter) Heyn, Andrew Heeter, Seth Heeter, Samantha (Heeter) Fischer, Nora Stutt, Hannah Stutt, Nathan Curry and Brooke Curry, her step-grandchildren Catherine, Jerome and Joseph Balestrieri, her cherished great-grandchildren, Ava, Ani, Evelyn, Rylee, Natalia, Finnley, Theodore, Alex, Jason, Cole, Clay, Hazel, Holly, Zoey, Maizie, Max, and Sam, all of whom brought her endless joy and pride. She is further survived by her brother Edwin (Mary) Steinbrecher and sister-in-law Patricia Steinbrecher, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss her dearly.
As a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Pewaukee, Wilma's faith guided her every step. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the best in people and helping them believe in their own God-given strengths. She lived with kindness, faith, and purpose, always putting others before herself.
Wilma was a force for good - a spitfire with an insatiable zest for life who brightened every room she entered. She loved spending time with her family, cheering on their successes, and sharing laughter over games of Rummikub with her brother Don and sister-in-law Pat. Her love for others and her unwavering joy were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Her life was a testament to love, hard work, and faith - and her legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know her.
A Celebration of Wilma's life will be held Saturday, October 25 at CHRIST EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH W240 N3103 Pewaukee Rd., Pewaukee from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the church or a charity of your choice.
"She walked with Jesus in life, and now walks with Him in glory."