RAPID CITY--Gretchen Marie Heeren, 89, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House on Saturday, April 24, 2010. Gretchen was born March 2, 1921, in Luverne, MN, to Adolph and Eleanora (Oberle) De Pauw. She grew up in Jasper, MN and graduated from Jasper High School in 1939. She moved to Sioux Falls and worked at Morrells Meat Packing Plant. On June 2, 1947, she was united in marriage to John E. Heeren in Jasper. The couple lived in Sioux Falls and moved to Rapid City in 1958, where she has lived since. Gretchen was employed at the Rolling Pin Bakery in Baken Park and then later at West Middle School cafeteria. She retired in 1983. She was a life-member of the VFW Auxiliary and was the local President in 1969-70, and District President in 1973. She was also named their Mother of the Year. Gretchen volunteered with many organizations and also enjoyed cooking and baking, especially pies and cookies. She loved baseball, especially the Twins. Gretchen knew everyone and loved to visit and have coffee. She was very social and was known for her great hospitality. Survivors include 3 daughters, Dianne (R. 'Milt') Hinsch, Suwanee, GA, Janet Heeren, Evanston, WY and Patricia (Larry)Amburn, Rapid City; a son, John P. (Tammy) Heeren, Weatherford, TX; 2 sisters, Antoinette Heinricy, Dell Rapids and Shirley Sieg, Hot Springs, a brother, Robert (Celine) DePauw,Minneapolis, MN, 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 28, from 5 until 7 p.m., with a Christian wake service and VFW Auxiliary Rites at 7:00 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Andrzej Wyrostek presiding. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caring Bridge, Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House or the VFW Post 1273 Auxiliary.