Hiedi Heikkila

After graduation, she went to Utah to begin her career path as a massage therapist. She attended Utah College of Massage Therapy and graduated in 1996 with Eastern, Western, and Swedish Massage Modalities. She also attended Michigan Tech, class of 2006, graduating with bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in environmental science.

On Oct. 6, 2012, she married her husband Don in Albert Paine United Methodist Church in Painesdale.

Hiedi’s most important “job” was to raise her children and make a home. She also worked as a massage therapist at Function thru Fitness Personal Training, Inc., as well as being self-employed.

She loved animals, especially horses. She was involved in 4H while growing up in Michigan and encouraged her children to be involved by joining 4H in Lena.

She loved to be outdoors, trail riding, hiking, and camping. Outdoors was always where she wanted to be.

She also loved to dance, and music. She played the trumpet in high school and had the honor of joining an accomplished group of young musicians to play in many countries across Europe during a summer tour. 

In her life, she was well-traveled, living in Michigan, Utah, New York, Hawaii, and established roots with her husband and family in Wisconsin. Horses continued to be in her life in Hawaii, as she worked as a carriage driver for a hotel giving island tours.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, Don Heikkila; son, Leevi Heikkila; and daughter, Lillian Heikkila; father, Dennis (Kathy) Hietala; siblings, Darren (Lynn) Hietala, Karen Bruder, and Sarah (Eric) Maunu; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Kristine Hietala; and her grandparents.

There will be a gathering at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 438 W. Main Street in Lena on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, from 12-3 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. with Rev. Kent Hulbert officiating. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.rhodescharapata.com.