Doris M. Heise

January 27, 1931 - April 10, 2020

Doris Marie Schuischelis Heise Born January 27, 1931, Doris Marie (Schuischelis) Heise was a lifelong resident of Bellefontaine Neighbors. Her parents purchased a small farm in the early 1930’s which eventually became the home of Rivervew Gardens High School. Doris graduated from Riverview in 1948, finishing in three years at the top of her class, and serving as editor of the school newspaper. She attended Southeast Missouri State College. In Cape Girardeau Doris met the love of her life, Lee Roy Heise, on a blind date. She loved to relate the story of how a college roommate introduced her to a young man recently returned home, serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves. They were married July 24, 1949. Shortly after, Lee was called back into active duty at Pearl Harbor and Doris followed. They spent the next couple years building happy memories in Honolulu, Hawaii. Following Lee’s military discharge they eventually moved back to Bellefontaine Neighbors where together they designed and built their own home. The house on Toelle Lane was their pride and joy and they never stopped improving. If Doris had an idea for a change, Lee made it happen. Doris was a founding member of Grace Lutheran Chapel in 1954. She devoted herself to the women’s Chapel Guild. She loved creating the ladies’ newsletter for the Guild, spending many hours on her Underwood typewriter writing and cutting mimeograph stencils. Doris liked to sew and cook and could often be found in the church kitchen. In her later years she actively participated in the seniors’ group and shared many a breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Doris became involved in scouting through Grace Chapel. She served as leader of Girl Scout Troop 3248. She was recognized by the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis for her volunteer work on a community and council level. Early vacations were often spent at Kentucky Lake with friends. They decided to try camping and discovered a new love, particularly canoeing the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Upon Lee’s retirement they purchased an RV and traveled through Alaska, the Yukon, Texas and the national parks. They enjoyed trips to Branson and Table Rock, but they always returned to the Boundary Waters. With heavy hearts they sold their home in 2014 and moved to Hidden Lake, and then finally Breeze Park in 2017. Lee and Doris marked their 68th wedding anniversary a week before Lee’s death. Doris joined him on April 10, 2020. Her favorite Bible verse was Ruth 1:16, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay…” Doris is survived by her children, Sondra (Mark) Heuckroth, Terry Heise, and Sheri (Joe) Beirne; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christine (Jon) Armellino, Danielle Beirne, Michael Heise, Rachel Heuckroth, and Jennifer (Kevin), Colin and Cailyn Manley. Doris battled breast cancer for 20 years. Memorial contributions to Susan G. Komen or Grace Lutheran Chapel would be fitting. A memorial service will be held in the future.