Dorothy Heckemeyer

Dorothy Ann Heckemeyer, age 93, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City with her daughters surrounding her. She was born in Meta on October 19, 1928, daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Elizabeth (Bax) Struemph. On September 1, 1951, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, Dorothy was united in marriage to George Heckemeyer, who preceded her in death on July 28, 1973. Prior to marriage, Dorothy was employed at Tweedie Shoe Factory. She had a rewarding career as a homemaker and running the family farm along with her son, Roger. After retiring from working on the farm, she worked at St. Elizabeth R-IV School in the dietary department. The struggles and adversities Dorothy faced after the sudden death of her husband, greatly shaped the strong and independent woman she became. She raised her six children and managed the family farm after her husband's sudden death until she retired at the age of 65. She was an inspiration to her family, instilling in them a strong work ethic and an unwavering Christian faith. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school activities and sporting events. Her family always came first, and she had an endless number of endearing qualities that will live on in generations to come. Dorothy enjoyed crocheting and was a talented quilter with a keen eye for quilt patterns. Throughout the years she made numerous quilts for the community picnic and generously gifted countless to family and friends, who will cherish these keepsakes. She always had a bountiful garden and enjoyed cooking for her family and hosting holiday celebrations. She enjoyed socializing with family and friends. Dorothy was a faithful member of St. Ann's Sodality, St. Elizabeth Quilting Club, St. Elizabeth Card Club, and St. Lawrence Catholic Church. She is survived by five daughters, Sharon (Carl) Kemna, Elaine (Jim) Kesel, Judy (Sid) Doerhoff, Darlene (Tony) Loethen, and Lois Otto; daughter-in-law, Diane Heckemeyer; 18 grandchildren, Sherie (Dustin) Monteer, Aaron Kemna, Darren Kemna, Lori (Josh) Webb, Christa (Clinton) Luebbering, John (Heather) Kesel, Jared (Dawn) Kesel, Jason (Holly) Kesel, Justin Kesel, Heather (Derek) Bax, Josh (Kylie) Doerhoff, Kelly (Dalton) Lohsandt, Sarah (Josh Cox) Heckemeyer, Brad Loethen, Troy (Kelsey) Loethen, Ryan (Morgan) Loethen, Whitley Otto, and Clayton (Hannah) Otto; 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; brother, Lawrence (Evelyn) Struemph; sister-in-law, Lorene Heckemeyer; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her son, Roger Heckemeyer; infant son, David Heckemeyer; two brothers, Fred and Henry Struemph; and sister, Mary Struemph. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Fr. Christopher Aubuchon officiating. Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, July 27, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Elizabeth Community Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.