Heidi S. Biglin

Heidi Sorensen Biglin of Traverse City, MI passed away on July 22, 2023. She was born March 1, 1971, in Chicago, IL to Vern and Vicki Sorensen. She was the eldest of their 4 children. She graduated from H. H. Dow High School in Midland, MI. Heidi then continued her education at Eastern Michigan University, where she earned her degree as an Occupational Therapist and continued to become a Certified Hand Therapist. On May 7, 1994, she married Terry M. Biglin from Midland, MI. Together they have a son Kyle. She was very actively involved in their son’s life. They took piano lessons together, exercise classes and shared a love of the beach and rock collecting. Their treasures are proudly displayed in their home. Growing up in Saudi Arabia instilled a love of traveling in her. She and her family traveled around the world making memories, and friends in many countries. Swimming was an important part of Heidi’s life. She was on a swim team throughout her school years and onto college. Later incorporating her swimming skills into lifeguarding and becoming a youth swim instructor. As Heidi was a person who loved details, she researched every place before she traveled. Her husband Terry was in the U.S. Coast Guard. Their journey began in Racine WI, moving to Boston MA, Greenwich RI and then to Traverse City MI where they could be closer to family. It’s here where they became parents and established roots. Heidi was proud of her Norwegian heritage and had a special talent for decorating her home depicting that heritage and her travels. Everyone loved to visit and enjoy her artistic display of books, travel memorabilia and projects made by her son. Reading was a passion of hers that began at age 3 and continued throughout her life. She was instrumental in putting together the “Bad Girls Book Club,” a book club of ladies from every age who met once a month. Heidi was passionate about women’s rights and social issues. She understood the importance of having a voice and the significance of unity and embraced cultural diversity. She never shied away from adversity- a friend in your darkest hour. Planning events and holidays was very special to Heidi. She made all the holidays magical. Planning took place months in advance, to include meals, games and finding the perfect gift. Games needed to include everyone of all ages and the noisier and action packed the better. Christmas stockings were one of her specialties and were amazing. Music, dancing and concerts were some of her favorite pastimes. She passed that along to her son Kyle, as he knows the words to her favorite songs of the 70’s and 80’s. Cooking for family and friends, trying new recipes, sharing and reading recipe books became a hobby of Heidi’s. As a toddler she had a love for seafood as she enjoyed eating fish soup with her Norwegian grandfather. She expanded her love for seafood with her husband Terry when they lived on the East Coast. Heidi was a dedicated Occupational Therapist who loved connecting with people in difficult situations enhancing their quality of life. She developed a close working relationship with a team of therapists at Crystal Lake Health Center in Interlochen, MI. That working relationship developed into close friendships with her colleagues that became like family. Heidi is survived by her loving husband, Terry, and her loving son Kyle. Surviving her also, is her mother, Vicki Sorensen, brothers, Kyle (Kate) Sorensen, Todd (Heather) Sorensen, sister Marisa (Darren) Day, nephews, Kade and Von Sorensen, nieces, Brenna and Kinsley Sorensen and Mabel Day. Also surviving are Father and Mother-in-law Terry and Carolyn Biglin, sister and brother-in-law Kristen (Bobby) Beck. She has many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues who will greatly miss her. Heidi was preceded in death by her father, Vern Sorensen and her Aunt Jenny. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date and will be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers or monetary donations the family would ask you to please consider donating blood in Heidi’s name. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Heidi’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Heidi S. Biglin

March 1, 1971 - July 22, 2023