Lawson Dean Heidebrink

Lawson Dean Heidebrink, age 22 of Mankato, was called home to be with Jesus on August 27, 2021.  He was in the ICU at Mayo Clinic Health Systems and was surrounded by his family and the most amazing nurses and staff.

A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 2 at the Crossview Covenant Church - Howard Dr., Mankato, visitation will be 2 hours prior at the church.  Due to the rise of Covid-19, masks are required.  Interment will be in Woodland Hills Cemetery, Mankato.  The family has a special request for people to wear bright colors, in honor of Lawson.

Lawson was born on July 28, 1999 in San Diego, California.  Lawson spent most of his childhood years in Spencer, Iowa.  He attended Lincoln Elementary School and Spencer Middle School.  In 2016, Lawson and his family moved to Mankato, Minnesota.

Lawson loved people, and he especially loved his family.  He was always happy to be with his mom (Shelley), his dad (Monte), and his siter (Maddisan).  The four of them were complete, and they loved doing all the things Lawson enjoyed.  Lawson loved music and theater!  From a young age, he enjoyed watching recordings of live theater, such as Cats the Musical and The Lion King Live.  Lawson would memorize the moves to the dances and then record himself singing and dancing to his favorite songs.

Lawson also enjoyed swimming and going for a “cruise” with his sister or his dad.  His most recent favorite cruise destination was to the buffalo at Minneopa.  Lawson loved any holiday or special event.  He especially loved trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Holland, Minnesota, driving through town on the golf cart with his sister or his dad.  Lawson was a master baker; he loved baking with his mom and sending goodies to his grandma and grandpa.  He enjoyed doing puzzles, building Legos, and playing video games with his staff.

Lawson had so many special people in his life.  He was blessed with great paraprofessionals in grade school and amazing teachers all the way through school.  Lawson recently graduated high school at 21 years old.  He loved the time he had with his teacher, Alex, and loved continuing to learn.  Lawson also had amazing caregivers in his life.  He made fast friends with his staff and they adored him.  To know Lawson was definitely to love him.  He was so happy and lit up any room.

Lawson knew and loved Jesus.  He loved to read the children’s Bible with his mom and watch Veggie Tales movies.  His relationship with God was definitely something he valued.  Lawson did not let anyone forget to say his bedtime prayers.

Left with the challenge of living without Lawson are his parents, Monte and Shelley Heidebrink; his sister and brother-in-law, Maddisan and Tyler Whiteside; his niece, Berkley Whiteside; his brother, Jon Heidebrink; his grandparents, Marvin and Caroline Heidebrink; his caregiver/”best friend”, Trish Bjerke; his biological father, Cory (Jennifer) Flint; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special family friends.

Dancing in Heaven with Lawson are his grandparents, Jerold and Mary Ellickson and Merlin and Pat Flint.