Martha Rasmusson Heckman, age 96 of Underwood, ND, died peacefully on October 28, 2007 at the Prairieview Nursing Home in Underwood.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, November 23 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Underwood, ND with Rev. Dean Hartley, officiating.


Martha Marie Stadler was born May 19, 1911 at rural Kongsberg, ND, the daughter of Joseph and Karoline (Presser) Stadler. She attended rural school near Kongsberg and high school at Velva, ND. As a young woman, she worked at the Kongsberg grocery store and helped on the family farm. In 1934, Martha moved to Underwood, ND where she worked for the Vonderheide family. There she met and married H.G. (Ras) Rasmusson Sr. on July 7, 1935. Together they had five children.

In 1953, Martha was widowed and at that time took over management of the family business,
R & S Oil Company. Her sons, Robert and Henry later joined the business. Martha served as vice president of R & S Oil Co. until 1997, at which time she sold her share of the business to her sons.

Martha was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Underwood and a long time member of the Underwood ladies bridge club. She loved gardening and was recognized for her skills in growing flowers.

Martha married Frank Heckman on July 5, 1963. They made their home at Lake Sakakawea until 1975, at which time they moved into Underwood. Martha and Frank enjoyed winters in Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. Together they enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards with friends and relatives. Frank died in 1981.

In 1991, Martha moved to Woodbury, MN to be near her daughter, Rhoda. In 1999, she returned to Underwood and became a resident of the Prairieview Nursing Home.

Privileged to have shared her life are her children, James (Chris) Rasmusson of August, GA; Robert (Myra) Rasmusson of Underwood; Rhoda (Rev. Paul) Pfotenhauer of Woodbury, MN; Henry Jr. (Doretta) Rasmusson of Underwood; and Thomas (Ann) Rasmusson of Mitchell, SD; 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Judy Stadler of Turtle Lake and Wanda Mikkelson of Minot.


Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; seven brothers (Joseph, Frank, John, Richard, Reinhold, Herman, and Ed Stadler); one sister (Caroline Stadler); two step-children (Frankie Benson and Jack Heckman);one grandson (Robert Benson); and one great granddaughter (Savannah McGrath).