Catherine M. Heavens

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Catherine Marie Heavens, 75, of Dyersville, died on August 31, 2025, after a short battle with an aggressive type of breast cancer.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral mass.

Funeral mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday September 6, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Rev. Hung Le will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato, MN.

Cathy was born on September 23, 1949, in Ortonville, Minnesota, as the daughter of Francis and Marie (Sexton) Beerling. Cathy graduated from Loyola Catholic High School in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1967, and then from Mankato State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

After college, Cathy’s brother Dick suggested that she go out on a date with Jim Heavens. Cathy took Dick’s advice and never regretted it. After a short time dating, Jim and Cathy were married on April 9, 1983. They created and lived a wonderful life for over 40 years, traveling the world and making more friends. Their favorite trip together was always their first one: a honeymoon cruise on the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth 2).

Cathy and Jim were the proud parents of three children, Alan, John, and Patrick. Cathy and Jim cheered on their kids at every stage of their lives, celebrated as each one of them got married, and found joy as eight grandchildren came along. Cathy cherished the time she spent playing with her grandkids and she was frequently doing something to show them how special they were to her.

Cathy was a devout Catholic and proud of her Irish heritage. She was especially diligent in saying the rosary. Even when she was barely well enough to walk, Cathy used what strength she had to get to the chapel and join the group who were saying the rosary.

Cathy loved playing card games. Cribbage was her favorite game, and she was good at it. She enjoyed reading, belonged to a book club and, along with Jim, she enthusiastically championed the James Kennedy Dyersville Public Library. She also volunteered at the MercyOne Dyersville Auxiliary Gift Shop.

Cathy had many “forever friends” who she stayed in touch with throughout the years. And her friends were very supportive after Cathy was diagnosed with cancer as they visited, called, texted, and expressed their support in countless ways.

Cathy also had a close relationship with her five siblings, their spouses, and their children. For many decades she hosted a big family gathering during Easter weekend. Countless memories were made during those times with many stories that are frequently told and retold, and which seem to get better as time goes on.

Cathy is survived by her children: Alan (Jillian) of Garnavillo, John (Mary) of Cedar Rapids, and Patrick (Jordan) of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren: Reagan, Weston, Vivian, Owen, Charles, Josephine, James, and Emmett; sisters and brothers: Peggy (Ron) Thompson, Richard (Linda Danielson) Beerling, Nancy (Kevin) Keenan, Tom Beerling, and John (Mary) Beerling; as well as a countless number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cathy was predeceased by her husband Jim in 2023, her mother and father, her mother and father-in-law, Alan and Esther (Dirker) Heavens; sister-in-law, Jill Beerling; nephew, Kevin Pappe; and her dear longtime, family friend, Dean Brown.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com Memorials may be sent to Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.