Geraldine May Heyne

Geraldine (Jerrie) M. Heyne, a 43-year resident of Zionsville, Indiana, passed away January 18, 2024 – two days after her 95th birthday.  She was born on January 16, 1929, in Michigan City, Indiana to Irving V. and Theresa L. (Westphal) Burns.  A 1947 graduate of Springfield Township High School, she married Eugene Walter on October 15, 1948.  Jerrie and Eugene were blessed with the birth of a son, Randall E. Walter, on May 22, 1951.   Less than two years later, Eugene passed away after a battle with cancer on November 22, 1952.  Jerrie married Robert P. Heyne on July 20, 1957. On October 24, 1958, they welcomed a son, Robert P. Heyne, Jr.  Tragically, he passed away on October 8, 1964, just before his sixth birthday.  Almost two years later, they were blessed by the birth of a daughter, Laura B. (Heyne) Peeters, who survives.  Jerrie and Robert shared nearly 55 wonderful years together until his passing on April 3, 2012.  Her son-in-law, Ronald A. Peeters, passed away on December 24, 2022.  Another loss followed in close succession, with her son Randy passing away on May 28, 2023.  In addition to her parents, Jerrie was preceded in death by her three siblings:   Irving R. Burns, Georgia A. Krueger and Charles V. Burns.     

She was the proud grandmother of Robert A. (Robyn) Peeters and Joseph W. (Joseph Belt) Peeters.  Along with Robert, Jerrie took care of her young grandsons whenever she could, which included days of the week while Ron and Laura were at work.  Their love and guidance played a very important role in the quality of men they are today.  They brought so much joy to her life and her face lit up every time they walked into the room.

Being a born and bred Hoosier, Jerrie always enjoyed watching basketball games of any Indiana team when the opportunity arose.   Her cheerleading days were never forgotten, and that was proven when she would break out in a cheer from high school: “One, two, three, four, who ya gonna yell for…Indians…I-N-D-I-A-N-S.”   Jerrie also fondly recalled her other high school activities, which included basketball and playing the trumpet.   In her youth, her musical talent led her to being a member of the All-County Bank of LaPorte County, Indiana.   Jerrie worked for Television Associates in Michigan City for a short time prior to meeting Robert but, the vocation in which she truly excelled was wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.   She loved her family and supported them in everything.  Her love was unconditional.  Her homemaking, cooking and baking skills proved beneficial when entertaining family and friends for holiday parties, birthdays and when hosting people from out of town.  Her kind and loving nature made her a congenial hostess.  Guests were always made to feel welcome and comfortable.

Jerrie had a strong faith in the Lord which served her well at the loss of two husbands, two sons, her parents and her siblings.  She enjoyed many activities in her churches over the years including work as a youth counselor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Michigan City and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianapolis and volunteering at Vacation Bible School at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Plainfield, Indiana.  She also sang in the choir and was a member of Ladies Aid at various churches.  At Pilgrim Lutheran Church, in Carmel, Indiana, where she was a member for 43 years, she volunteered in the Braille (now Large Print) Center and was a chancel volunteer.

Her funeral service will be at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 3650 W. 106th St., Carmel, IN 46032 on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 AM until time of service.  Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim Lutheran Church.