Heidi Marie Blaskowski-Albrecht

Heidi Marie Blaskowski-Albrecht, 59, of Spring Grove, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Heidi was born on February 14, 1967, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, the daughter of Robert Schinke and Margaret Herring-Villar. She moved to Winona in 1983, briefly attending Winona Senior High School before earning her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She dedicated many years of her life to working in the healthcare field, where her caring nature and compassion for others were reflected in the work she did.

Heidi married George Blaskowski on April 25, 1987, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota. Together, they welcomed children; Rocky, Kayla, Joshua, and Zachary, later divorcing. On July 18, 1998, Heidi lost an infant daughter, Abigail Rose. She married Larry Albrecht on May 7, 2005, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Winona, Minnesota, and together they welcomed three more children; Sadie, Cierra, and Maria.

Above all else, Heidi's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love was shown not only through words, but through the countless thoughtful things she did for those she loved. She had a special way of making people feel important, cared for, and supported. Whether it was staying up all night to completely transform her children's bedrooms so they would wake up to a special surprise on their birthdays, making sure she was by their side for appointments, sending thoughtful cards and birthday videos, or making a phone call just to remind someone how much she loved them, Heidi always found ways to show she cared. She was the kind of person who seemed to know when someone needed a little extra encouragement, a laugh, or a reminder of how proud she was of them.

She never missed an opportunity to tell her children how much she loved them and how proud she was of the people they were becoming. Her sweet singing videos, especially her familiar "Good morning, sunshine. Mama loves you," became one of the many special ways she brought comfort and happiness to those she loved. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and ability to make even the smallest moments meaningful created memories her family will cherish for a lifetime.

Heidi was generous with her time, loving in her actions, and always willing to go above and beyond for her family, even when she was carrying burdens of her own. She had a way of making people laugh, offering comfort when life was difficult, and reminding those around her that they were never alone. Her love was unconditional, her heart was devoted to her family, and she will be remembered for the countless ways she made others feel loved.

Heidi also found joy in life's simple pleasures, including shopping, drawing, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and getting her hair done. She was well known for her large collection of porcelain pigs. Some of her favorite moments included taking her mother out for lunch at Applebee's, gathering with her siblings for family barbecues, treating her children to coffee at Scooter's, and spending quiet time with her beloved fur babies, especially her dog, Macy. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, finding happiness in the everyday moments spent together.

Heidi was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.

Heidi is survived by her husband, Larry Albrecht; her children, Rocky (Michelle) Blaskowski of Winona, Kayla (Kelly) Moore of St. Charles, Joshua Blaskowski of Winona, Zachary (Anna) Blaskowski of Port Edwards, Sadie Blaskowski of Faribault, Cierra Blaskowski of Spring Grove, and Maria Albrecht of Caledonia; and two stepdaughters, Jackie (Shane) Jensen of Altura and Heather (Tyler) Horman of Winona. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Mika, Mason, Gavin, Gabrielle, Rochelle, Emalyn, Rocky Jr., Robby, Lillian, Vaughn, Hugh, and Gus; her mother, Margaret Villar of Rochester, Minnesota; siblings Tammy Schinke of Rochester, Kathryn (Troy) Bierly of Minnesota City, Troy Schinke of Rochester, Robin (Doug) Hemann of Stewartville, Jeffrey (Sue) Schinke of Rochester, and Jennifer (Matt) Tofstad of Minnesota City; along with many nieces, nephews, dear friends, extended family members, and her cherished fur babies.

Heidi was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Abigail Rose; her grandparents, Bob and Marie Schinke, Grandma Lola Minwegen, Grandpa Marvin Doc Herring and Grandpa Heine; her father, Robert Schinke; and her niece, Brooke Elliot.

Heidi's unexpected passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed for her loving heart, thoughtful gestures, warm personality, and the special way she made the people in her life feel valued. Though she may no longer be here to make the phone calls, send the cards, sing her sweet songs, or remind her loved ones how proud she was of them, the love she gave will remain with them always.

Her greatest legacy is the love she planted in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. The memories she created, the laughter she shared, and the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved will live on for generations.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday November 18, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd. Ave. SE, Rochester, MN), visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Blaskowski-Albrecht family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzancvinefh.com

She will forever be loved, deeply missed, and remembered as a mother whose love was felt in a thousand little ways.