Heather A. Aanes

Heather Anne (Wingeart) Aanes, 51, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 5, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, following a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. A celebration of Heather’s life will be announced at a later date. Caring for Heather and her family is the LeMieur Funeral Home of Little Falls. Heather was born on October 31, 1974, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Shirley Wingeart. She grew up in Middlebury, Indiana, before moving to Minnesota to pursue her passion for teaching after graduating from MacMurray College with her bachelor’s degree. Heather always had a heart for helping people, and that desire to care for others became one of the defining parts of who she was. Heather was independent, spunky, and happy. She loved fiercely and never hesitated to be there for the people around her. It didn’t matter who someone was or what they needed—whether it was a stranger she met in a store, one of her daughters, or one of her daughters’ friends, Heather had a way of making people feel cared for. Above all else, Heather loved her family. Her daughters, Lily and Ava, were the center of her world. She treasured spending time with her family and loved the time she spent training and caring for her beloved service dog, Bert. One of her favorite traditions was getting coffee with the girls on their first day of school, a tradition that created memories her daughters will carry with them forever. Heather faced more than her share of battles throughout her life. Living with MS and being wheelchair-bound brought challenges that could have broken anyone’s spirit, but Heather refused to let her circumstances define her. She held her head high, worked with what she had, and continued to find happiness in the life she was given. She taught those around her to appreciate things they might otherwise take for granted—including how lucky you are when your legs get tired. Even through everything she endured, Heather always said she would never wish any of it on anyone else. That was Heather: strong without needing to prove it, compassionate without expecting anything in return, and determined to make the best of whatever life put in front of her. Heather was loved deeply by many people, and that love will never end. Her memory will live on through the people she touched, the lessons she taught, and the countless moments of laughter, love, and kindness she gave to others. Heather attended Park United Methodist Church for the majority of her life. Those left to cherish Heather’s memory include her oldest daughter, Lily Aanes, her youngest daughter, Ava Aanes; her older brother, Paul and Karen Wingeart and their kids, along with many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Wingeart; her uncles, Bruce Rasor and David Rasor; and her service dog, Bert. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone in the medical field, first responders, rehabilitation professionals, and hospice caregivers who cared for Heather, supported her, and helped her throughout her journey until the very end. Heather’s fight may be over, but the love she gave and the lives she touched will carry her memory forward forever.

Heather A. Aanes

October 31, 1974 - September 5, 2026