ELENA “Itzu” HEIMERL
March 21, 1944 – March 31, 2011

Elena Heimerl, age 67 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Timisoara, Romania, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Julia and son-in-law, Richard Fosman, where she had been lovingly cared for by them right up until the time of her passing on Thursday, March 31, 2011.
Elena was born on March 21, 1944 in Jimbolia, Romania to Pavel and Victoria (Takacs) Salamon. She attended public school in Jimbolia through the eighth grade and then went on to high school in Timisoara where she graduated in 1962. As a young woman, Elena went on to attend the Technical School of Chemistry in Timisoara where she received training in the field of biochemistry. After her graduation in 1965, Elena began a career as a biochemistry technician which spanned over 35 years. The major part of her working life was spent with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara. On April 30, 1968, Elena was united in marriage to Livius Heimerl. This union was blessed with one daughter, Julia. On November 30th, 1976, Elena endured the devastating heartbreak of the tragic death of her husband who died in an automobile accident. Elena was left to raise their daughter, Julia, by herself, without any special help in a communist country. Through much hard work and sacrifice, Elena devoted herself to making a secure and loving home for Julia. Elena made sure Julia received the best education possible and instilled in her a love for learning and achievement. Elena encouraged her daughter all the way through college and Dental School. In 2004, Elena came to live with her daughter in the United States. She has made her home in Park Rapids, MN since 2006 where she was welcomed into the home of Julia, her son-in-law, Richard and her two precious grandchildren, Elizabeth and David. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long be remembered for the delicious home cooked dishes she loved to prepare for others. Above all, Elena enjoyed nurturing her twin grandchildren with love and encouragement and adoringly watching them learn and grow. She loved her family with all her heart.
Elena will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Julia and son-in-law, Richard Fosman of Park Rapids; her grandchildren: Elizabeth and David; her sister, Etelka and brother, Andrei both of Jimbolia, Romania; her sister-in-law, Iuliana Grosu of Dusseldorf, Germany; her mother-in-law, Paraschiva Heimerl of Timisoara; two special nieces: Katitza and Nusha; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters, Ana and Mariska and l brother, Pavel.
Memorial services will be held 11 AM Saturday, April 9, 2011 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. The urn bearers will be her twin grandchildren: Elizabeth and David Fosman. The Alleluia Choir will lead the music. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided by the church for all in attendance.