05 Jan Teresa Orso
Teresa Orso, 64, of Moffit, passed away Jan. 3, 2023, at St. Alexius hospital in Bismarck surrounded by her loving family. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. A prayer service and time of sharing will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 800 North 7th Street, Bismarck. The funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, with Rev. Allen Wagner officiating. Burial will take place this spring at St. Mary’s cemetery. The livestream of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8WMd-I2KC4
Teresa was born March 4, 1958, in Bismarck to Aloys and Eleanor Holzer. She grew up in Bismarck in a close-knit family. One of her favorite memories was going with her mom, sister and brother to watch her dad play in his polka band. She attended Bismarck High School and worked several jobs, most of which involved caring for others. She lived most of her life in Bismarck and Moffit, but also lived in Mandan, Strasburg, Linton and Wishek.
Teresa was the best mother in the world to three sons, Christopher, Chane and Cory. She met Bill Heckelsmiller in 1998 when their children introduced them, thinking they’d make a good pair. They were right, and the two happily spent the next 25 years – the rest of her life – together.
Teresa loved music, arts and crafts, traveling, going to the gym, and shopping with her sister, Viann, Her greatest joy came from being a grandma and her sons joked that she loved her grandkids and great grandkids more than she loved them.
Teresa is survived by her lifelong partner, Bill Heckelsmiller; sons, Chris, Chane and Cory (Ashley) Orso; stepchild, Andrew Heckelsmiller; sister, Viann (Jim) Collingwood; brother, Larry Holzer; her grandchildren and step-grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Aloys and Eleanor Holzer; sister, Betty Marie Holzer; grandparents, Joe and Elizabeth Holzer and John and Mary Zacher; many aunts and uncles; and several beloved animals.
Teresa will be greatly missed!
It was always a joy to meet up with Teresa. It never failed, whenever she saw us she welcomed us with the biggest smile and happiest greeting! She was fun to visit with and had the funniest sense of humor. We will certainly miss her. Bill, Chris, Corey, Chane, Larry and Vianne, remember, our loving God is with us these days and in the days to come, it is not goodbye but “See you later!”
Bill, Christopher, Chane, Cory and family. Our hearts go out to all of you during this difficult time. Words cannot express the feeling of loss at a time like this. Theresa loved you all and it was evident of your love for her. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Faye Ryckman
Our sympathy to you, Bill, and the rest of your family. Teresa was very friendly and liked very much. Go with God Bill.