Pamela Charlene Heidenreich

Pamela Charlene Heidenreich, age 70, of Sabula, IA passed away on October 6, 2024, in Sabula, IA. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a celebration of Pam's life from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois.

Pam was born February 11, 1954 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ralph and Dora (Miller) Grundall. She spent her childhood years in Savanna, attending Savanna schools, and in her teenage years working at Grimm’s Café. Even all these decades later, she was still fond of her time working at that café.

On January 7, 1974 Pam married Doug Ray Heidenreich. Doug was serving aboard the USS Midway and was stationed in San Diego, CA. After living in California for a couple years, Pam and Doug moved back to the area, settling first in Clinton, then ultimately making their home in Sabula. Pam held a few jobs over the years, notably serving a term as Mayor of Sabula, but her most important work was always that of a mother and homemaker. She and Doug raised five children and enjoyed 47 years together, before his passing in 2021.

Part of what made those 47 years together so special, were their shared interests. They adored animals, most recently having five dogs and six cats, and they absolutely loved fishing! They owned a number of boats over the years and regularly spent time on the Mississippi catching their favorite, catfish. She and Doug could smoke and deep fry catfish like no other. And in their younger years they kept horses. Although to be honest, this wasn’t exactly a shared interest and Doug only took care of the darn things, because he knew his wife loved them.

When Pam took time for herself, one could find her attending local auctions, watching football, or tending to her lawn and gardens. After Doug passed, her grandson Dane moved in with her, which helped her greatly. Her lawn had to be perfect, and Dane, bless his heart, was always up to the task! Pam cherished her many plants; except for that walnut tree; those walnuts falling and hitting the garage annoyed her to no end. One of her other favorite things to do was attending the local county fairs, and of course, trying all the fair food!

Pam leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She will be dearly missed by her children, Eric Heidenreich, of Clarence, IA, Janel (Charlie) Sedivy, of Savanna, Kerry (Joe) Roling, of Ontanagon, MI, and Heather (Chad) Zink, of Savanna; six grandchildren, Derrick Picha, Summer Carte, Dane Heidenreich (special grandson), Dawson Carte, Gracie Carte, and Chase Heidenreich; four step-grandchildren, Robert Zink, Chad Zink, Jr., Michelle (Colton) Shaw, and Damion Sedivy; and six step-great-grandchildren. Pam is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Dora; Husband, Doug; and son, Jeromy “Buzz” Heidenreich.