Heeren, Velma 1917-2009

HEEREN, APPLEY, TELFORD

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/26/2009 at 13:22:28

From: Carlsen Funeral Home Website

Velma Heeren, 91, of Akron, Iowa passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at the Akron Care Center in Akron.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Akron, Iowa with Reverend Jean Morse officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitations will be after 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Carlsen Funeral Home, Schroeder Chapel, Akron, Iowa with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitations will continue at the church Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Brian Small, Brad Small, Kent Lucken, Jerad Dreeszen, Doug Heeren, Ted Heeren, James Heeren, and Jesse Heeren.

Velma D. Appley was born July 13, 1917 in Union County, South Dakota to Joe and Mattie (Telford) Appley. Velma was Baptized August 19, 1917 at the South St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Union County and confirmed on September 18, 1932 at the North St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Union County, South Dakota. She attended country school at Pleasant Ridge Country School, rural Union County and graduated from Akron High School in 1934. Following high school, Velma attended General Beadle College in Madison, South Dakota where she received her teachers certificate. She taught country school at Brilliant Hill for a couple of years.

Velma was united in marriage to Elmer Heeren on January 22, 1938 in Elk Point, South Dakota. To this marriage, 6 children were born, Selma, Marjorie, Eldon, Jim, Arden, and Joyce. The couple farmed in rural Union County, South Dakota for over 50 years. Elmer passed away on October 26, 2000. Following Elmer’s death, Velma continued to live on the farm until moving to the Akron Care Center on January 9, 2009. She had lived on the farm for 69 years.

Velma was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. She was an avid gardener, enjoying raising flowers and vegetables. She also enjoyed sewing, crafts, baking, and cooking for her family and friends.

Survivors include her 6 children, Selma Small and her husband Gayland, Marjorie Lucken and her husband Alan, Eldon Heeren and his wife Marcene all of Akron, Jim Heeren and his wife Franie of Beresford, South Dakota, Arden Heeren and his wife Patty and Joyce Dreeszen and her husband Ron all of Akron; a sister, Martha Mae Anderson of Akron; a brother, Bud Appley of Akron; 18 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mattie (Telford) Appley; Her husband, Elmer Heeren in 2000; a sister, Venita Utesch; and a grandson, David Lucken.