Mary Heitkamp was born on May 13, 1947, in Adrian, Minnesota to Edwin and Margaret Nytes Dorn.  She grew up on the family farm east of Adrian and graduated from St. Adrian High School in 1965.  She then attended nurses training in Mitchell, SD.  Following graduation Mary worked at the McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.   On October 11, 1969 she and Robert “Bob” Heitkamp were married at St. Adrian Church in Adrian.  Following their marriage they made their home in Brookings, SD. Mary worked at the Brookings Clinic, which later became the Avera Clinic for over 40 years.  Mary had a true passion for nursing, her favorite time was flu shots clinic where she would dress as Sister Mary.  Mary passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at the Brookings hospital at the age of 73.  She was a member of St. Thomas More Church in Brookings where she taught Sunday school, and was member of the pray chain.  She also was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. and the Brookings Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, her Diet Coke in a small glass glass, shopping, fishing, bowling, cooking, baking, boggle, and watching the Golden Girls, Lifetime movies, and Gunsmoke.  She was married to the love of her life for 51 years and adored her daughters and her grandchildren.  
Survivors include her husband Bob Heitkamp of Brookings, SD, three daughters, Jenny Loomis and her husband, Robb of Brookings, SD, Julie Heitkamp of Brookings, SD, and Megan Brandriet and her husband, Chris of Sioux Falls, SD, three grandchildren, Sophie Loomis, and Layne and Mazlo Brandriet, six siblings and their spouses, Joe and Clarice “Punky” Dorn, David Dorn, Marlene and David Hieronimus, Robert Dorn, James and Cheryl Dorn all of Adrian, MN, and Michael and Sue Dorn of Brookings, SD, eight brother and sister-in-laws, Mary Jo Nath of Luverne, MN, Ron and Rosie Heitkamp of Sioux Falls, SD, Bill and Carolyn Heitkamp of Outing, MN, Jack and Cindy Heitkamp of Adrian, MN, Pat and Don Ruffing of Gaylord, MN, Mark and Viv Heitkamp of Adrian, MN, Cindy and Jerry Ross of St. Peter, MN, and Steve and Cindy Heitkamp of Luverne, MN, and several nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law, Edward and Marian Heitkamp, brother, Fr. Jerry Dorn, sister-in-law, Betty Dorn, and two brothers-in-law, Roger Brandenburg and Orlen Nath.
In an effort to keep everyone safe a private family service will held at St. Thomas More Church in Brooking, SD on Saturday, Nov. 28, with Fr. Terence Anderson officiating.  The organist is Sara Olson.   .  Interment is at St. Thomas More Cemetery in Brookings, SD.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Mary’s favorite charity St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  For those attending a mask will be required.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton, MN is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com.