Gretchen Renee Heil, 61, of Owatonna, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 31, 2019 at her home. She was born December 22, 1957 in Owatonna, Minnesota the daughter of Alfred and Dorothy (Roesler) Heil. She grew up in Owatonna where she attended school graduating with the Class of 1976. She continued her education at Rochester Community College where she earned an Associates Degree in Fashion and Design. She was employed at Gopher Athletics in Owatonna and then worked at Social Services for Blue Earth County in Mankato. Due to her health, she retired in 1996. She then took on the role of caretaker, caring for people in their homes. Gretchen enjoyed sewing and loved music. She was the family member who kept in contact with everyone in the family whether writing letters, sending emails or texting. She remembered everyone's birthdays and anniversaries and was the family historian. As someone with health issues, advocating for others with health issues became another of her passions. She supported The Arthritis Foundation and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Owatonna. She also enjoyed baking, and giving baked treats and thoughtful gifts to her family and friends. Gretchen was happily generous and willing to help others. She loved camping, shelling and swimming at Florida beaches growing up. Music brought her joy and a visit to the Saturday Farmer's Market was a summer favorite! She is survived by mother, Dorothy of Owatonna; siblings, Cleone (and Paul) Smith of Denver, Diane (and Mark) Asprey of Austin and Brad (and Margaret) Heil of Apple Valley; brother-in-law, Steve Cooper of Middlebury, IN; 9 nieces and nephews; 7 great-nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by father, Alfred Heil; sister, Beccy Cooper; her grandparents and aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials are preferred to The Arthritis Foundation.