Eileen Hegerle

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Eileen Hegerle, 99, of Gettysburg, SD passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel presiding. Burial followed in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A scripture service was held at 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2016 at the church.

Eileen Harriet Herron was born March 20, 1916 to Ida (Huyck) and L.W. (Mike) Herron at her grandmother’s home near Lebanon. She graduated from Gettysburg High School, Class of 1934. Eileen earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota in 1939.

In 1942, Eileen moved to California where she met Earle Hegerle. Eileen and Earle were married on November 19, 1943 in Texas. To this union, a son, William Roy was born. In 1944, Earle was killed during a military training flight. At his funeral, Eileen first met Earle’s brother, Harold. On August 7, 1950, Eileen married Harold Hegerle in Gettysburg. The couple joined the COD Ranch in partnership with Eileen’s parents. Eileen and Harold lived, worked and raised their family on the ranch, in the northwest corner of Potter County, until their retirement in 2004.

Eileen was a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate woman with a generous heart and a warm smile. She was extremely devoted to her faith and family, and her kindness touched many lives. Eileen was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and was very active in her community as a member of the Medicine Rock Cowbelles, AAUW, Legion and VFW Auxiliary, and the Lincoln Appomattox Extension Club. She served on the Potter County Library Board for many years.

Eileen enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and watching Twins games. In their 60 years of marriage, she and Harold were able to travel throughout the US and overseas. As a young woman, Eileen rode her father’s quarter horses and even jockeyed in the county fair. A Mother’s Day tradition was to attend the horse races in Ft. Pierre and Aberdeen with her daughters and granddaughters. It was important to Eileen to stay in touch with family and friends; she regularly sent cards and letters, even using Facebook and Skype to communicate with loved ones.

Eileen is survived by her children: Kelly (Ginger), Gettysburg, Kevin (Elaine), Parker, CO, Holly (Bill) Wright, Gettysburg, Mary Ann (Dave) Hempel, Webster, Jose’ Arolfo, exchange student, Argentina; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille Ellenbecker, Gettysburg, and nephews Barry Ellenbecker, Gettysburg and Dan (Michelle) Ellenbecker, Rapid City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; first husband, Earle; son, Billy; her parents; brother, Max; and special cousins, Renee Gesman and Phyllis Wise.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Eileen’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)