Monroe "Pete" Heaney:  A life filled with family, music and faith

Preceded in death by parents Earl and Minnette Heaney; son Howard; siblings Ruth, Loreda, Versea, Mike and Bessie. Survived by wife Cynthia (married for 46 years), children Lis Mazyck, Lloyd Heaney, A. Emily Heaney (Jeff Altier), stepdaughter Melanie Mozingo (Cecil); grandchildren Drew, Felix, Eric, Elizabeth, Rachel, Connor, Jamie, Lucy, Hugo; great-grandchildren Hailee, Chev; siblings Jackie, Jeri, Vida, Merritt, and Kathy.

Born June 16, 1934, in Rhinelander (home of the Hodag), Wisconsin and died in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 31, 2023. Grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1952.  Lived in White Bear Township since 1966. Pete loved his family, languages (speaking German and Swedish), travel, sports (GO GOPHERS!) and world cultures.

Served in the U.S. Army Security Agency and military intelligence as an interpreter/translator (stationed in West Germany).  After his military service he worked as a tailor at J. Riggings, Montgomery Wards, and Robert Hall while also earning bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics education from the University of Minnesota with GI Bill benefits. He taught mathematics in the White Bear Lake Area Schools for 30 years.  While teaching he worked as a coach and official for cross-country running, Nordic skiing and track and field teams at White Bear Senior High, continuing for another 20 years after retiring from teaching.  He was the meet manager and official for more than 50 conference and 50 Minnesota State High School League meets in these sports.  Pete was a lifelong teacher and mentor to countless students, coaches, and the next generation of teachers. Education was incredibly important to him including helping young minds be curious and not judgmental.

Performed at Lakeshore Players Theater in many musicals and was involved when the theater first moved to the converted church building at 6th Street and Steward Avenue, White Bear Lake.  Singing and filling other people's lives with music was his gift with his beautiful tenor voice.  Singing in the church choir was one way he expressed his faith, as well as providing prayer support for others in their times of need. He counted many of the pastors at St. Paul Lutheran Church as close, personal friends.

Pete served as a Quartermaster at the VFW Post 323 in Stillwater, MN, which also helped support a Pronto Pup stand at the Washington County Fair every August.  He loved helping the "Cooties" prepare the Pronto Pups for visitors at the fair.

In retirement he was an avid daily crossword puzzle solver, tenacious Scrabble competitor (he taught his family sooooo many words) and more recently, he discovered Wordle.  He loved playing board games and picking raspberries with his grandchildren and countless visitors to the Welcome Inn (family home).

Memorial service will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 Fifth St. South, Stillwater, MN  55082.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service, starting at 10 a.m.   Luncheon immediately following service.  Private interment at Fort Snelling with immediate family at a later date.

Memorials preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minnesota, or donor's choice.