The Passing Of Laura Heuser

Laura Heuser, the wife of Wally Heuser of Summit Tree Sales in Hartford, MI, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the age of 81. Wally was the fist president of the International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association (IDFTA), and Laura traveled side by side with her husband to just about every IDFTA event, even when the travel become more difficult in her later years. She was also very active herself in the industry. A founding member of Women for the Survival of Agriculture in Michigan, Laura was the keynote speaker at the first National Farm Women’s Forum in 1974, which led to the formation of American Agri-Women. Later, she became a well-known motivational speaker, speaking at agricultural meetings across the world.

Laura graduated from Michigan State University in 1949 with a bachelor of science in horticulture. She is survived by Wally Heuser, five children (including daughter Wanda, who currently runs Summit Tree Sales with her father), nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hartford United Methodist Church in Hartford, MI. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the same location. Arrangements are being handled by Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, MI. Memorials may be made to any of the following:

* Hartford United Methodist Church
* Michigan State Horticultural Trust Fund (MSHS Trust)
* Michigan Agri-Women.