Dr. Heidi A. Henschel Pellett

September 19, 1964 - February 25, 2022

First Ev. Lutheran Church

311 W. Mackie St.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Monday 3/7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Dr. Heidi Ann Henschel Pellett, 57, of Ellensburg, WA left this world and joined her Savior, Jesus Christ on February 25, 2022, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA after a courageous battle with leukemia. Heidi, daughter of Floyd and Gail Henschel, was born September 19, 1964 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Heidi loved and excelled in sport, particularly tennis, where she was a multi-year state qualifier graduating from BDHS in 1983. Heidi continued her tennis success while attending Carthage College where she played collegiate tennis, graduating in 1987 and being inducted into Carthage’s Hall of Fame in 1997. At Carthage, she met the love of her life, Tracy Lee Pellett and they were married, July 24, 1988. Heidi helped others learn to love sport and activity by teaching physical education and health, and by coaching in the public schools for over 10 years. Heidi earned her Master’s degree in teaching at Ball State University and Doctor of Education degree at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Heidi worked the last 20 years of her career at the university level as a teacher educator and achieved tenure and the rank of full professor at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. Heidi actively published and presented her research and scholarly works regionally, nationally, and internationally. Heidi ‘s true passion was teaching. She was a caring educator who put her heart and extraordinary effort in seeing students succeed in and out of the classroom. Heidi’s skills as an educator were recognized when she was awarded the Washington state Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (WAHPERD) – College/University Professor of the Year in 2012. Heidi was a bright and positive force with her colleagues as they elected her their department chair in Physical Education, School Health and Movement Studies. Most recently, Heidi was selected to lead the College of Education and Professional Studies at Central Washington as Interim Dean from 2020-2022. Heidi was most proud of the family she helped raise with her husband Tracy. Her daughter Abigail and son Avery were the true joys of her life and she was happiest when all four of them were together. Always ready for a new family adventure, Heidi was the trip planner, making all the arrangements for travel to sunny and distant vacations. Creating special moments and memories was vital to her life. Often displaying her radiant smile, Heidi enjoyed laughing, especially with Tracy, as they found humor in many things great and small. Heidi will be so terribly missed by her husband Tracy, daughter Abigail and husband Phillip Montoure, and son Avery, and her beloved parents, Floyd and Gail Hope Henschel. Heidi’s four sisters and brothers- in-law, Holly and Charles Ledvina, Hope and Kim Kuck, Heather and Steven Bruemmer, and Hayley and Kris Jensen will forever feel incomplete without their chica Heidi. A private family visitation will take place and a public funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie St., Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

First Ev. Lutheran Church

311 W. Mackie St.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Map

Monday 3/7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

See Condolences

First, I would like to send my warmest thoughts and regards to Dr. Henschel-Pellett's family and friends as they navigate this tremendous loss. I was so fortunate to receive guidance from Dr.Henschel-Pellett during my time at Central Washington University. As countless others have alluded to, she had such an innate ability to warm your heart and hold you accountable all while simultaneously inspiring you to be as caring, attentive and driven as she was. I can recall more than one instance where I found myself in a bit of a rut due to a variety of stressors and without fail, she would recognize a change in my demeanor and would find a way to chat with me offline to just check in. As time has passed, I've grown to truly understand how rare it is to find these type of wonderful individuals and as such it is paramount to really embrace those relationships as they don't come along every day. I will truly miss her contagious laugh and smile but take solace in knowing that she's drastically made so many of us such better people as well as educators. We will all continue forward shining the light she blessed us all with and for that I'm eternally grateful.

Mrs. Pellett was such a huge influence in my education and future endeavors. She was such a kind woman inside and out. She pushed me to be the best that I can be in every aspect of my life and I thank her for all she has done! You will be missed and loved Mrs. P!

Floyd and Gail, my heart ached when I saw Heidi's obituary in the Wisconsin State Journal. She sounds like an amazing wife, mother, daughter, friend and educator. I am so very sorry for your loss. My mother shared many wonderful times with Gail over the years, and I enjoyed hearing about the 5 beautiful Henschel daughters. May God's peace surround you, and His promises give you hope. Karen Schneider (Al & Marion Schneider's daughter), Middleton, WI

To Dr. Henschel-Pellett's family, I am so sorry for the passing of this amazing woman. I pray during this hard time you are surrounded by wonderful reminders of her and that the fun memories, pictures, experiences as hard as they may be, will be the things that get you through your toughest days. I had the honor of being her student at CWU from 2008-2010. As a Health/Fitness major we had smaller cohorts and we learned in the classroom as well as by doing. I don't speak for us all but most of us considered her to be the "Mom" of our cohort. One of the teaching strategies she instilled in us was the term "firm but warm" and she had that mastered! She was the first to greet you with that big vibrant smile, congratulate you on a success but also meant it when she asked how we were, remembered things that were important to each of us or if we needed it would give us that Mom stare... you know the one that says, "stop or else" but without having to say a word. She helped challenge us as educators and as people. She has positively impacted SO many of us and will live on through us as well as within each student or child we make a positive impact on because of the things we learned from her mentoring.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to us over the years. I remember when you let me miss class for soccer and didn't lower my grade because of it (even though you were supposed to) Your presence and smile will be missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest condolences to the Herschel and Pellett families. I worked with Heidi at Minnesota State. We collaborated on many projects. She was a wonderful person, a dedicated teacher and scholar. The family are in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest condolences to the Henschel and Pellett families. Heidi and I were middle and high school friends. She always had the biggest smile and most competitive spirit. Prayers for strength and love during this difficult time.

Our sincere sympathy for your loss as we know the pain of losing a child. May your faith, and the support and compassion of those around you ease your heartache and sustain you. Loving memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Heidi. We held her and you all in our prayers these last few weeks as you spent the moments together as a family. We send our love and condolences for your loss. Heidi, your mom, and wife, always had a smile on her face and warm welcome. We are thankful for the time we got to spend with you guys as a family! We will remember her fondly. Sending hugs - Dave, Heather, Chris, and Megan Burfeind

Sorry very sorry for your family's loss. It's so difficult to lose someone so young. What a loving testimonial to a beautiful and successful woman.

I share my deepest condolences to Henschel and Pellet families. I knew Heidi and worked with her at CWU as a faculty colleague, fellow Department Chair, Associate Dean, Dean, and friend. She was so kind and generous and was always cheerful. As a Dean she was a good mentor, a great listener, and approachable. She positively influenced many faculty, staff, and students at CWU. We will miss you!
Sathy Rajendran, Ellensburg, WA

My condolences to the Henschel Family. Heidi and I were distant cousins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcTyIaYLQqo

Our Condolences to the entire family . Heidi was such an accomplished woman . I have such fond childhood memories of anxiously waiting for that big station wagon to pull up with the Henschel girls in to have some adventures with. Also loved going to Beaver Dam and playing with Heidi and the girls in the backyard playhouse and enjoyed being pen pals. Sending Peace, Love and Hugs
Julie Nevala Damgaard and Tim Damgaard

So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts! Heidi and I graduated together and she was such a nice person!

Lisa Fiegel, Friend, Beaver Dam WI

We are very sorry to hear of Heidi's death. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We also lost a son way too early in his life. The hardest thing in life is to lose a child. May your happy memories of Heidi help you with tremendous loss.

To the Henschel and Pellett families, may the many memories of happy family times with Heidi be all the comfort you need until you can be with her again. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Hug each other a little tighter.

Sending my heart-felt condolences to the Henschel - Pellett family. Heidi was a wonderful person with a beautiful smile and infectious laugh. I always admired her drive to be the best person, friend, athlete possible. May you find comfort in memories you hold close to your heart. Her legacy will live on in everyone's life she touched.

It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to a kind and generous woman. As our Dean she was approachable, and she helped our department in any way that she could. She leaves a large hole in the heart of the college. My deepest sympathies for her loving family. As we pilots say, "blue skies and tailwinds" Heidi. You will be missed.

Such a beautiful lady. Prayers for your family. Sarah Eddy Henderson

Tracy & family, so sorry to hear this. She was a very nice person. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest sympathies to the Pellett and Henschel families. I attended middle and high school with Heidi in BD. She was full of joy and liked by all. She packed a lot into her life which was much too short. May all your memories keep her always by your side and give you some comfort and peace.

My deepest sympathies to the entire Henschel-Pellet family. I attended middle school and high school with Heidi. She was always kind to others, an incredible competitor on the tennis court and someone to be respected and admired. I am so sorry for your loss.

We are so sorry to hear of Heidi's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. Your wonderful family is the best part of our Beaver Dam memories.

We are so incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of this incredible lady, scholar, former co-worker, neighbor and friend. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Tracy and family.

What a beautiful smile!!! We did not know Heidi personally, but this awesome picture expresses all the wonderful comments that have been made here in her obituary. Our sincere condolences to her husband and family, our dear friends Gail and Floyd, and all of her sisters and their families.

Life sadly interrupts happiness. Sympathies to this wonderful BD family.

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Pellett family as they celebrate Heidi's life and devotion to her family. I have fond memories of my connection to your family when Tracy and Avery attended Kennedy Elementary while in Minnesota. I remember Heidi's positive and cheerful spirit! Very sad to receive this news!

So sorry to hear of your loss, keeping all of you in our prayers

Floyd, Gail & Family: Please accept our prayers and condolences. We're thinking of all of you at this very difficult time. Heidi contributed a lot of good things to this world...we hope that can bring you all some comfort. God's blessings to all of you.

We join in the sorrow of the family and wish strength of family, friends and faith.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family. May your love and memories help you all during this extremely difficult time. Sending you lots and lots of love from your Florida family Abigail❤

Gail my heart breaks for you. Sending our deepest sympathies. Hugs

My deepest sympathies to the whole Henschel-Pellet family. I have very fond memories of Heidi from childhood and school. She was wonderful! I'll miss her! She's with the Lord. Praying for you all to remember the good times and love! Jill Goodwiler

Heidi was a special person and has a such a wonderful family I will never forget. I am so happy to see all her accomplishments and what a rich life she had. My family and I send our condolences.

Dr. Pellett, Tom and I are so very sorry to hear about Heidi's passing. Prayers for strength and comfort for all her loved ones during this time.

Prayers for the family during this difficult time. Heidi will be missed by the CWU and Ellensburg community.

I am so very sorry to hear this. Prayers for your family during this most difficult time.

"Sorry for your loss Gail and Floyd. I can remember the days in gym class at Wilson School and how competitive she was way back then. Floyd, you were a special teacher, I can see why Heidi also became a special teacher!"

My family's thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Dear Floyd and Gail, What a shock it was to see this sad news of Heidi's passing. We never had the privilege of meeting her personally, but just looking at her beautiful, happy picture shows us what a wonderful person she was, inside and out! Being raised by parents such as you two, how could she possibly be anything but the absolute best in every respect. Our deepest condolences to both of you and your family. May God continue to console and shower His Richest Blessings upon all of you throughout this very difficult time.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Gail and Floyd, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of or daughter Heidi. I cannot imagine loosing a child. You are in our thoughts and prayers and our deepest sympathy.

What a super special person. We will all miss her dearly. The entire Gonnion family sends their condolences. Lots of great memories of a very extraordinary person.

Dear Floyd and Gail,
So sorry to see this sad news. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace,
Sincerely,

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember playing with all the girls. Your family is in my prayers.

Heidi's passing is literally like a glowing light leaving the earth. She will be missed for so many reasons, her smile and incredible sound of her laugh, her generosity of spirit to everyone she met, her intelligence and ability to lead others to contribute to the world of education and research, and her genuineness of giving to others without thought of herself. I always try to see a pattern that God has intended, but this is frankly difficult to perceive, at a time when we need more people like Heidi, not less. I also would like to say that there is a great deal of solace in the realization that Heidi led a life full of love, with Tracy who is just as incredible a person, and Abigail and Avery. I know because I was privileged to know Heidi, how much her family gave her joy and confidence. She was an amazing person and as I said above, will be missed by those who knew her. Rest in peace my friend. Love, Marilyn

I worked with Heidi at CWU, was her neighbor in Ellensburg and always considered her such a bright, sweet, caring person to be around. She always filled our office with freshly baked cookies and her beautiful smile. As her neighbor, I saw her and Tracy walking their dog everyday. Heidi brought grace into her leadership role and was well respected by all of her colleagues. She IS and WILL be greatly missed. May you Rest in Peace Heidi. Sending love and hugs to the family.

Sending hugs and prayers to the Henschel family

SO sorry for your loss Floyd and Gail.. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. God bless you all.. buck and ronda denzer

Sorry for the loss of Heidi who has given so much to her family. Knowing her parents and her sister Heather tells me so much how much she is loved and will be missed...God bless....

I worked side-by-side with Heidi for several years as her Program Support person in the SAMS department. Heidi was an amazing person with a very loving soul that loved her family deeply and talked about them often. She was a breath of fresh air, positive, always smiling, supportive, and never made me feel like I was less than or on a different level than she was (though often 'I felt' I was). I will never forget how she made me feel and the support she was always ready to provide for me and my family. My deepest condolences to the whole family. I am so sorry for your loss and know that nothing, at this moment, will be able to help with the pain you are experiencing. However, I am praying that God will comfort your souls and protect your hearts & feelings during this difficult time of loss.

Our deepest sympathy to your family. Our prayers are with your family.

A donation has been made in Heidi's honor to the Leukemia Foundation. Heidi, you will be greatly missed.

I send my deepest love and condolences to your family. I had the honor of working and following Heidi's leadership these past four years and she was truly one of the most inspirational, kind, intelligent, ethical and positive human beings I've ever met. She will be sorely and deeply missed and forever in our memories and hearts. Our greatest blessings go to you.

Dear Family of Heidi-
I send my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. I only knew Heidi through stories from her amazing sister, Heather, who I have worked with for over 20 years at the Board on Aging. Heidi will be remember always - A beautiful, talented, giving lady who left a tremendous impact on this world. Sending big hugs and love to Heidi's family!

I worked with Heidi for the 15 years she was here at CWU. She always had a bright smile, a listening ear, and gave the best advice. Her students and colleagues will miss her. Peace to the Pellett family. Melody Madlem

My heart goes out to your family, Gail and Floyd, on Heidi's passing. What a beautiful and full life she had but way too short. My deepest sympathy to you.

Dear Heidi, I will always miss your smile, your laugh (I can hear it right now!), and your warm character and approach to me as a colleague and friend. David and I always enjoyed time with you and Tracy for department game nights, and we will think of you forever. Big hugs.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.