Visitation: Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 p.m. and Monday from 10-11 a.m. at Good News Church (1800 S Valley View Rd, Sioux Falls, SD).
Service: Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at Good News Church (1800 S Valley View Rd, Sioux Falls, SD).
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Heather Zinns, 35, died peacefully Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at her home in rural Canton, South Dakota, after a courageous battle against brain cancer. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at Good News Church (1800 S Valley View Rd, Sioux Falls, SD). Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 p.m. and Monday from 10-11 a.m. at Good News Church. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established for Heather’s children at Security Savings Bank in Canton, SD.
Heather Dragstra was born April 8, 1988, in Luverne, Minnesota, to Warren and Avis (Olson) Dragstra. She was baptized at Chandler Christian Reformed Church. Heather attended elementary school in Chandler before graduating in 2006 from Southwest Minnesota Christian High School in Edgerton. As a young girl, she shared the love of all things horses with her mom. Together they enjoyed horseback riding, camping and participating in new adventures. Heather participated in the 4-H program at the county and state levels with her mom’s horse, Misty and her own horse, Simon.
In early 2011, Heather began experiencing painful headaches and suffered her first seizure. After brain surgery and radiation treatment, Heather resumed her college studies while finishing her chemotherapy treatment, graduating with a degree in business in 2012.
Supporting her since her original diagnosis and through the loss of her mother, Avis, on Dec. 24, 2011, was Israel Zinns. The two married September 21, 2013, at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church. Together they had two children, Ava, in 2017 and Aidyn, in 2020. Heather loved her family deeply and often told her children she loves them “to the moon and back.”
Heather was a selfless, strong and independent woman, who enjoyed the outdoors and dreamt of living on her own acreage with her horses, Simon and Stormy. She didn’t let her cancer slow her down. She often showed kindness by helping others, giving an infectious smile or sharing her firm foundation in her faith. Heather will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
In 2021, after several years of remission, Heather had another seizure, which led to the discovery that her cancer had returned. During the past two years, Heather fought back the cancer, enduring more treatments, surgery and regaining her speech and mobility skills. On Father’s Day, June 18, 2023, Heather suffered another seizure. Doctors reviewed her scans, and the aggressive growth of the tumor they found led her to choose to enter at-home hospice on June 23rd.
Heather is survived by her husband of nearly 10 years, Israel, of Canton, SD; daughter, Ava (6); son, Aidyn (3); her father, Warren Dragstra of Chandler, MN; brother, Joshua Dragstra of Hartford, SD; sister, Susan (Kent) Sime of Milbank, SD; niece, Cailey Sime; nephew, Brock Sime; grandmother, Betty Olson of Luverne, MN; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Avis; and grandparents, Alvin Olson, and Joe and Jennie Dragstra.
my prayers are with you and your family
My heart is aching, in the loss of this beautiful young lady… The daughter of my coworker, Avis … many years ago —- I have been praying for all of you for a long time and I’m sorry for your loss … love and prayers – Sharon Kuik
Izzo, Ava and Aidyn,
We are so sorry for the loss of your wife / mother.
We pray for comfort for your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for this difficult news, for Heather’s family and friends. I am a friend of a friend and I understand what a courageous fight Heather championed for everyone who loved her. I’ve felt honored to be a prayer partner with one of Heather’s friends. Continuing prayers for your family and friends.
From all of us at Jam Against Cancer, we were so honored to have Heather as one of our recipients for 2022. She loved her husband and kids so much, and had such a large support group. Prayers go out to Heathers family, continue to hold them memories close to your heart.
I pray for God to bless and keep you, and to grant you peace. I know Heather a little through my knowing her dad Warren. You all have my deepest condolences.
Very sad to hear this new, my prayers are with you and your whole family.
May God give the family peace and comfort ,each and every day In our thoughts and prayers.Gay & Roger Eisfeld
Israel- Sending Love and Prayers for comfort, peace, and understanding during these very difficult days ahead for you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Israel sending prayers to you and your family.