Ernestine Hegge

Ernestine Hegge, age 87 of Crofton, Nebraska died at her residence on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, April 15, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton with the Rev. Timothy Podraza officiating. Burial will be at the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Crofton.  Visitation will be on Sunday, at church, from 4-7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to services.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton. Pallbearers will be Tyler Hegge, Scot Donner, Nick Hegge, Matt Hames, Ross Hegge, Evan Hegge, Austin Hegge, Brandon Hegge. Honorary pallbearers will be her Godchildren: Daryl Guenther, Gary Leader, Brian Guenther, Andy Guenther, and Nick Hegge. Ernestine Kathleen was born on November 9, 1931 in Crofton, Nebraska 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 August 9, 1994 at the age of 68 years.  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 thru 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 of Crofton, LaDonna and Don Hames of Hartington; seven sons and spouses Rod & Jackie Hegge of Hartington, Rick Hegge of Crofton, Bob & Helene Hegge of Crofton, Jim & Dawn Hegge of Hartington, Steve & Pam Hegge of Del Rapids, SD, Jeff Hegge of Crofton, Kelly Hegge of Crofton; 28 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; two brothers and spouses Donnie & Bev Guenther of Crofton, Daryl & Dorothy Guenther of Crofton; three sisters Lois Leader of Crofton, Donna Mae Guenther of Crofton, Sister Janet Guenther of 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.