Ernestine Hegge

CROFTON — Ernestine Hegge, age 87 of Crofton, died at her residence on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial was April 15 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton with the Rev. Timothy Podraza officiating. Burial was at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Crofton. Visitation, with a rosary, was April 14, at church and resumed one hour prior to services.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton. To send online condolences go to www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.

Pallbearers were Tyler Hegge, Scot Donner, Nick Hegge, Matt Hames, Ross Hegge, Evan Hegge, Austin Hegge and Brandon Hegge. Honorary pallbearers

were her Godchildren: Daryl Guenther, Gary Leader, Brian Guenther, Andy Guenther and Nick Hegge.

Ernestine Kathleen was born on November 9, 1931, in Crofton to Fritz and Hildegard (Steffen) Guenther. She grew up in Crofton and attended St. Rose Elementary School. She worked on the farm and helped raise her brothers and sisters. Ernestine married Alvin Casper Hegge on June 2, 1953, in Crofton. She babysat for many children in her home and then later worked in the school cafeteria. Ernestine and Alvin moved into Crofton in 1982. Alvin died on Aug. 9, 1994, at the age of 68. Ernestine volunteered at the Crofton Senior Center for many years.

She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church and its choir, Christian Mothers and the Crofton American Legion Auxiliary. Ernestine enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren’s activities through the years. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and passed this passion on to her kids and grandchildren. Ernestine also loved to watch the Hallmark Movie Channel.

Ernestine is survived by her two daughters and spouses, Lorrie and John Donner, Crofton; LaDonna and Don Hames, Hartington; seven sons and spouses, Rod & Jackie Hegge, Hartington; Rick Hegge, Crofton; Bob & Helene Hegge, Crofton; Jim & Dawn Hegge, Hartington; Steve & Pam Hegge, Del Rapids, S.D.; Jeff Hegge, Crofton; Kelly Hegge, Crofton; 28 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two brothers and spouses, Donnie & Bev Guenther, Crofton; Daryl & Dorothy Guenther, Crofton; three sisters, Lois Leader, Crofton; Donna Mae Guenther, Crofton; Sister Janet Guenther, Omaha; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Alvin; a sister Della Kaup; two brothers-in-law Conrad Kaup and Lyle Leader.