Barbara Ann Heppelmann

BELLECHESTER, MINN. Barbara Ann Heppelmann was born on March 26, 1929, to Richard and Catherine (Reding) Majerus.She grew up in Bellechester, attending St. Marys Catholic Grade School and Villa Maria Academy in Lake City.After attending a year of college at St. Benedicts in St. Joseph, MN, she married Arnold Heppelmann on June 23, 1949.With Arnie being a bricklayer, they lived in various states before returning to Bellechester and purchasing the home she grew up in.Arnold (Arnie) died at his home on May 31, 1981.Barbara passed away peacefully in her home on February 10, Arnies birthday. Barb, as she was called, was a full-time mom and homemaker until her children were grown.She then worked as a bookkeeper for Behrens Supply in Red Wing and later Lodermeier Implement in Goodhue.Although she retired in 1993, she continued to work as the Bellechester City Clerk for over 30 years. After retiring, she did extensive traveling.Her travels included small day trips in the five-state area in addition to longer trips to 49 of the 50 states throughout the US, including Alaska and Hawaii.She also traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Spain and Italy.She was active in the St. Marys CCW and enjoyed playing cards.She did various cross-stitch projects until her hands no longer cooperated, and she always had a book to read.Throughout the growing season, she spent time working in her flower garden and growing tomatoes which she canned.She was always adding to her iris and daffodil bed. Barb is survived by daughters; Catherine (Paul) OReilly of Goodhue and Jean (Dave) Heydt of Winona; sons Anthony (Paula) Heppelmann of Plymouth, and Gary (Gayle) Heppelmann of Apple Valley; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren; and her special four-legged companion, Kirby.She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, her mother, father, and stepmother, Veronica (Reding) Majerus. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 15 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bellechester, MN with Rev. Bruce Peterson officiating.Visitation will be at the church from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and on Friday from 10-11 a.m.A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday.Burial will be at St. Marys Catholic Church Cemetery at a future date.Memorials are requested for upkeep of St. Marys Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600