Dorothy was born near Alexandria, SD on October 1, 1916 to Angela (Schroeder) and Barney (B.J.) Majerus.  She was raised and educated in the farming community of Hanson County.  After high school graduation she worked for the Hanson County Courthouse in the Treasury Office.  She married Virgil Heinz, on January 20, 1943 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Initially, they rented a farm, but in 1953 they bought her parents' farm in Alexandria where Dorothy grew up.  Together they enlarged and developed it into the Grade A Heinz dairy farm, raising hogs and crops to feed the livestock.

Dorothy and Virgil raised five children.  Dorothy was a key part of the farm operation, organizing and helping in managing the family farm. Because of Dorothy's strong beliefs she generously shared her time assisting church groups such as CCD Teachers, Catholic Foresters, and farm organizations including the local 4H organization, and the Farmer's Union.  Dorothy was involved with the Marian Congress Fatima Family Apostolate from 1987 until it ended. Hosting nuns and priests at her home in Alexandria.  She was an active member of the Waynets and Helping Hand, as well as supporting her husband with his organizations.

As their children grew and the farm prospered, they were able to travel, not only to all fifty states, but also to Canada, Mexico, Panama, Galapagos/ Equador, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Australia,  Europe, and Ireland.  A highlight of their travels was a trip to Dorothy's ancestral Luxembourg where they connected with cousins.

Dorothy enjoyed playing cards both with family and friends.  A son-in-law noted that her poker face rivaled the best.  She was hospitable to family, friends, and even strangers.  She was a good cook and well known for it.  Her grandchildren especially treasured her toffee bars, oatmeal cookies, breakfast pancakes and homemade bread.

Dorothy Heinz was a devoted woman of faith, dedicated to her family and generous to         everyone.  She has been and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.   She will be sadly missed by her son Jim Heinz (Lyn) of St. Louis, MO, her daughter Ann Connors (P.J.) of Eden Valley, MN, and her son John Heinz (Linda) of Alexandria, SD.  Dorothy has fifteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Virgil Heinz, her daughter Susan (Trusewicz) Ahrendt, her son Joe Heinz and her sister Leona Summers.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church, Alexandria, SD or Hanson County 4-H Leaders.