Ivadelle Elaine Osberg Heidke

Oz was a native of Estherville, a small but vibrant community in the north-west corner of Iowa. She was the first child of Wilfred and Helen Osberg. Six years later, Oz’s beloved brother Don was born. Oz graduated from Estherville High School, where in her senior year, she was voted most likely to become a “Southern Belle.” Oz was attending Iowa State University when she married Howard Heidke, also an Estherville native, before he shipped out for the Korean War. Oz decided it best to defer her college studies. While Howard was in Korea, Oz gave birth to their first daughter, Diana Rae. Oz was schooled on the intricacies of newborn-care by her mother Helen, a registered nurse. When Howard returned from the war, Oz returned to work to help Howard complete his studies at Iowa State while also raising little Diana.

Oz, Howard, and Diana’s adventures began in earnest when Howard landed a job as an oil and gas exploration geologist with Pan American Oil Company, now known as Amoco. As Howard climbed the company ranks, the family was often transferred, living in such interesting places as Roswell, New Mexico; Lubbock, Texas; Casper, Wyoming; and Denver, Colorado. On the weekends, they would jump in the car and “pick a direction,” exploring the areas’ natural wonders, camping in either a tent or their car. Oz also enjoyed golfing and fishing with Howard.

In 1966, Howard was transferred to New Orleans, Louisiana, where the family of three became four when Oz gave birth to their second daughter, Ann Maree. Oz enjoyed her time in New Orleans, learning to cook creole and cajun food, joining a garden club, hosting bridge clubs, taking art classes, and frequently welcoming friends and relatives to explore the city. Oz inherited her father’s artistic talent and even sold some of her paintings in Jackson Square. In 1979, Howard made the decision to leave Amoco and become an independent consulting geologist in Jackson, Mississippi. Diana, already grown, stayed in New Orleans, while Oz, Howard, and Ann moved “north.” In 1983, Oz’s only grandchild, Richard Fielding Hirsch, was born to Diana and her husband, Bill. Oz loved Richard dearly.

Oz loved to work and was a “working mom” before her time. She always held interesting administrative positions while raising her children, including at a local television station in college, or the district attorney in Roswell, and for the president of Maison Blanche in New Orleans.

Oz’s favorite job came in 1979, when she began a thirty-six year tenure working as an administrative assistant in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Part of her job was to type revisions for the latest editions of the medical textbook by world-renowned physiologist and chair Dr. Arthur C. Guyton. Oz had a great admiration for Dr. Guyton’s humble demeanor and kindness. When Dr. Guyton retired, Oz worked for the new chair, Dr. John Hall, who has continued to keep in touch with her. She also developed life-long friendships with many members of the department, from professors and post-doctoral candidates to technicians. Many hailed from outside the United States, and Oz enjoyed hosting meals for them in her home. Oz retired from the department in 2016 at the age of 86.

Oz was a believer in education and decided to return to college part-time at Belhaven College, where, in 2002 at the age of seventy-two, she earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Accounting. In her spare time, Oz enjoyed numerous hobbies such as knitting, embroidery, quilting, flower arranging, reading, drawing, painting, and interior decorating. Her favorite place to vacation was Dune Allen on Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She and her daughters were able to make her last beach trip in October 2024. Oz considered her pets as family members. Her greatest joy indeed was her family. Oz was a member of St. Matthews Methodist Church in Madison for several years.

Oz is preceded in death by her father, mother, husband, and brother.

Oz is survived by her daughters, Diana Hirsch, of Sugar Land, Texas, and Ann Heidke of Madison, Mississippi; her grandson Richard Hirsch of Round Rock, Texas; her sister-in-law Johanna Colston of Roanoke, Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and a great nephew.

The family is especially grateful to Dr. Licy Yanes-Cardozo, Oz’s dear friend and physician, who helped manage her healthcare during the last decade of her life. The family is also grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, who provided excellent care leading up to and during her final illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi [https://www.stm-umc.org/give] or The American Physiological Society [https://give.the-aps.org/give/193705/#!/donation/checkout].

A visitation for Ivadelle will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 7427 Old Canton Road, Madison, Mississippi 39110, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.