Heidi M. Esmay, age 62, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, formerly of Murdo, died on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 21, at the Murdo Cemetery.
Heidi Maurine Esmay was born October 14, 1961, in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Wayne and Margie (Sandy) Esmay. From birth, it was clear her life was going to be unique. Heidi was born with Cerebral Palsy that severely affected her coordination and speech. Despite the hardships and challenges posed by her physical and speech disabilities, Heidi had a sound mind and always faced life with a joyful loving spirit.
Heidi spent the first eight years of her life living with her family in Murdo, and the summers at the family ranch south of Okaton. Heidi loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Her dog Cisco was a loving, loyal friend. Her favorite stuffed animal was Garfield the Cat and for many years, her beloved Garfield was at her side. Wherever her siblings went, 4-H activities, rodeos, church, or family gatherings, Heidi was there. “I go” was one of the few words Heidi could say as a child. Heidi’s sense of humor was a gift from her brothers who teased and clowned around with her constantly during her time at home. Many times she and her brothers got into trouble for playing one of Heidi’s favorite games “trampoline” on the bed. Heidi loved flying up and down in the air while Jon and Wayne jumped as hard as they could on the bed. The special bond and love Heidi had for her brothers, especially her brother Jon, brought her much joy.
In 1969, Heidi moved to Sioux Falls, to attend Crippled Children’s Hospital and School, graduating in 1983. Although being home sick at times with her being so far from home, Heidi thrived at Crippled Children’s Hospital and School. She learned to read, made many close friends, and enjoyed her favorite swimming pool activities.
Heidi moved back home to Murdo for three years until she was admitted to the DakotAbilities in 1986 for her vocational and residential services. Heidi learned to use a communication board that allowed her to interact with others. She was a part the DakotAbilities Center Worksite until the move to the Longfellow Building in 2016. For 13 years, she worked as a volunteer at the Sioux Falls Public Library entering data for the library using a computer and communication board system.
Heidi enjoyed any chance to travel, seeing new places and sites. She took many trips with the DakotAbilities to the Black Hills and one trip to Disney World in Florida. She enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends via phone, letters, email, and Facebook. Heidi truly loved her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed spending time with them, especially when they were younger. They would sit on the foot pedals of her wheelchair and she would give them rides, bringing many smiles to all.
Heidi enjoyed going to church in Murdo and Sioux Falls when she was younger and more mobile. Heidi would want all to know she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior many years ago. Heidi was not defined by her disabilities, but by her special traits given to her by God. Heidi had a toughness to withstand many challenges that were brought her way, and the resilience to keep going. Heidi’s humility, strength and courage, her patience, her beautiful smile, her joy in the simple things in life, and her ability to love unconditionally will be cherished by all whose lives were touched by knowing Heidi.
Heidi was preceded in death by her father Wayne D. Esmay; mother Margie G. Esmay; grandparents Maurice and Louise Esmay-Spears, Marlin Spears, Pink and Margaret Sandy.
Heidi is survived by her sister Vicki (Roger) Stiles of Kansas; brother Wayne (Lorrie) Esmay of Murdo; sister Wanda (Ben) Krogman of White River; brother Jon Esmay of Murdo; nine nephews and nieces CharLee Doster, Sydney (Jacob) Nowak, Jon Esmay, Matt Esmay, Kari (Heath) Harter, Jordon (Julie) Esmay, Summer Krogman, Kolby (Sarah) Krogman, Kyler Krogman, 22 great-nephews and nieces; and a host of other relatives, friends, and her DakotAbilities Family.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Murdo.
