Madella M.J. Heidt, 91, New Knoxville, died at 12:34 p.m. March 17, 2013, at Elmwood of New Bremen.

She was born June 20, 1921, in Shelby County to Christian and Lenora May Jung. On May 8, 1940, she married Vernon Heidt at St. Peter's Evangelical & Reformed Church in New Bremen, and he died Sept. 25, 2006.

Surviving are a daughter, Doris Heindel of Rockford; a son, Orville (Bonnie) Heidt of New Knoxville; four grandchildren, Allan Heindel, Alane Johnson, Beth Heidt and Amy (Shawn) Sayers; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ralph (Carolyn) Jung of Sidney, and a sister, Gertrude Miller of Pandora.

Also deceased are a son, David Heidt; two grandsons, Scott Heindel and Bryan Heindel; a son-in-law, Wayne Heindel; four brothers, Lester Jung, Victor Jung, Nelson Jung and Leon Jung; and three sisters, Frances Warner, Annabelle Tontrup and La Rose Jung.

She was a farm wife and provided seasonal help at Kuck's Turkey Farm in New Knoxville. She was a member of First United Church of Christ, the Women's Guild at the church, New Knoxville Senior Citizens and Joint Township District Memorial Hospital Guild.

Her favorite pastime was playing cards, especially sheephead and pinochle.

Funeral rites are 10:30 a.m. Friday at First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, the Rev. Dr. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Ministry Center of the church.

Memorials may be given to the First UCC Radio Broadcast Fund.

Condolences may be left at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, New Knoxville, is handling arrangements.