Barbara Heppelmann, 83

Barbara Ann Heppelmann was born on March 26, 1929, to Richard and Catherine (Reding) Majerus. She grew up in Bellechester, attending St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and Villa Maria Academy in Lake City. After attending a year of college at St. Benedict’s in St. Joseph, Minn., she married Arnold Heppelmann on June 23, 1949. With Arnie being a bricklayer, they lived in various states before returning to Bellechester and purchasing the home she grew up in. Arnold “Arnie” died at his home on May 31, 1981.

Barbara passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 10, Arnie’s birthday.

Barb, as she was called, was a full-time mom and homemaker until her children were grown. She then worked as a bookkeeper for Behren’s Supply in Red Wing and later Lodermeier Implement in Goodhue. Although she retired in 1993, she continued to work as the Bellechester city clerk for over 30 years.

After retiring, she did extensive traveling. Her travels included small day trips in the five-state area in addition to longer trips to 49 of the 50 states throughout the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. She also traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Spain, and Italy. She was active in the St. Mary’s CCW and enjoyed playing cards. She did various cross-stitch projects until her hands no longer cooperated, and she always had a book to read. Throughout the growing season, she spent time working in her flower garden and growing tomatoes which she canned. She was always adding to her iris and daffodil bed.

Barb is survived by daughters Catherine (Paul) O’Reilly of Goodhue and Jean (Dave) Heydt of Winona; sons Anthony (Paula) Heppelmann of Plymouth and Gary (Gayle) Heppelmann of Apple Valley; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren; and her special four-legged companion, Kirby.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, her mother, father, and stepmother, Veronica (Reding) Majerus.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bellechester with Rev. Bruce Peterson officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and on Friday from 10-11 a.m. A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery at a future date. Memorials are requested for upkeep of St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600.

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions