ABOUT US – Mission and History

Born to Helen and Harm E. Heidebrink on June 4, 1939, she grew up on the family farm just south of Rushmore, MN. Her early education began in a one-room schoolhouse with twenty other children. After graduating from Worthington High School in 1956, she attended Minneapolis Business College and eventually earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Metropolitan State University. Lonni and husband Dave enjoyed 64 years of life together and called Coon Rapids home for 62 years. During her long and varied career, she served as Executive Director of the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce and the Anoka Technical College Foundation. Among numerous community contributions, Lonni organized and founded Mediation Service of Anoka County, was Mayor of Coon Rapids from 1999 to 2003, served on the Metropolitan Airports Commission and lead the stabilization and expansion of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing. She was an active leader in the League of Women Voters with intense focus on soil health and fresh water issues as a Board Member of the five-state Upper Mississippi River Region.

Her life wasn’t all work and no play; Lonni enjoyed tennis, music, skiing, gardening, walking and world travel.

Preceded in death by her parents and brother Randy.

Survived by her loving husband David; brothers Gary (Diana) and Harlan (Eunice); sister Adelle Widmer; sons Kerry (Cathy) and Patrick (Janine) and daughter Susan (Brian) Schirmers; grandchildren Bridget Schirmers, Megan Schirmers, Claire McCauley and Connor McCauley.

Everyone who knew her, worked with her and played with her will miss her leadership, hard work, joy and laughter.