VIDA BETH HECKMAN 1935-1994

HANGARTNER, HECKMAN, KJOSA

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 2/21/2007 at 19:07:15

VIDA BETH HECKMAN

Vida Beth Heckman, daughter of Elmer and Bessie (Hangartner) Heckman, was born October 21, 1935 in Winneshiek County, near Ossian. She died Wednesday, June 22, 1994 at the Good Samaritan home, Postville, Iowa. She was 58 years old.

She was baptized November 24, 1935 in the Zion Lutheran Church at Castalia by the Rev. William Striepe and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, by the Rev. Frederick R. Ludwig on April 10, 1949. Vi graduated from Postville High School in 1953. In 1955 she joined the United States marine Corps.

Vi worked in the LaCrosse area for several years, then she returned to Postville to take care of her mother, who was ill. After the death of her mother, Vi farmed for a short time. She then worked at the Red Lantern, where she later became manager. She was a meat cutter at the Farmer's Store until the store closed. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. She was also a member of the Amvets. Vi was known for her charitable concern and love for everyone in the community.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ivan, who died in 1954.

Surviving are her brother, Arlo Heckman and his wife, Delores, of Kearny, Arizona; five aunts; Isabell Kjosa of Clermont, Violet Hangartner of Postville, Ilene Hangartner of Onalaska, Wis., Vera Hangartner of Waterloo, and Doris Hangartner of Cedar Rapids; a niece, Debra Heckman and a nephew, Cory Heckman, both of Kearny, Aiz., a niece, Angie Heckman of Elko, Nevada and a step-nephew, Michael Hagen of Caledonia, Minn.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 25, 1994 in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Postville, Iowa. The Rev. Charles Miller officiated. Special music was provided by Carol Eichmann, accompanied by the organist, Joan Martins. Casket bearers were Keith Smith, Duane Koenig, Delbert Suckow, Michael Looney, Darby Suckow and Stanley Martins. The Schutte Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in the Postville Cemetery.

FINAL TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN COMRAD

Vida Beth "Vi" Heckman's Funeral was held at the Postville ELCA Church on the 25th of June, 1994. Services conducted by Pastor Charles Miller, with full military honors, were held at the grave site by AMVETS Post #27, Monona, Iowa.

The flag draped casket was brought to the city cemetery by Schutte Funeral Home. Honor Guard consisted of two guards, Wes Wiedmand and Harva Oberg. The United States Flag was carried by ex-Marine, Julie Baade, United States Marine Corps. The AMVETS flag of Post #27 was carried by Rodney Richardson. The American flag was folded by Schutte Funeral Home. United States retired Naval Chief Nyle Nesvik, presented the flag to the next of kin.

The firing squad, under the command of U.S.N. retired Senior Chief Robert H. Kolsrud, fired a volley of three shots. Members of the firing squad present were Loren Eberling, Cloy Kuhse, Bill Christofferson, Wilford Willie, members of AMVETS Post #27, Monona, Iowa. The Schutte Funeral Home played taps, by pre-recording, at the grave site.

Vida joined the USMC in 1955. After her Honorable Discharge from the USMC, she returned to Postville and later joined the AMVETS Post #27, Monona, Iowa as a life member. May God Bless. AMVETS/PRO.

Postville Herald-Leader newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection. Submitter not related.