Irmise Evelyn (Halsey) Heeren finished her 93 year journey through this life on earth to be with the Lord on July 12, 2018. The fourth child of Bert A. Halsey and Rose Hope (Nabower) Halsey, she was born on November 24, 1924, in Juniata, Nebraska. She graduated from Kenesaw High School at the top of her class which enabled her to be hired immediately for a local teaching position. She met the love of her life, Elmer Heeren, in Hastings and they were married March 12, 1947. Together they lovingly raised seven children. She was always very involved in the many and varied activities in which her children participated. From their early childhood, she fostered in them a love of animals. She was a scout leader for her sons and a 4-H leader for her daughters through many years.
Most important to her was her love of Christ and her commitment to His church. She was a choir mom, youth leader, Sunday school teacher, part-time custodian, church wedding coordinator and floral designer/arranger at various times of her life. Her sanctuary arrangements, especially at festival times, were always admired and greatly appreciated by the congregation. She loved music, often singing through her day’s work at home. As she became home bound in her advanced years, she would listen to the live radio broadcast of the Sunday Service and join in with the congregation in singing the hymns. She also loved to cook and bake and could always be counted on to supply entire meals, salads or desserts for any meeting, group or celebration.
She is predeceased by her parents, Bert and Rose Halsey, sisters Hannah Wilkinson and Mary Belle Harpham and brother Bill Halsey as well as her infant son, Gary Dean, and daughter-in-law, Julie (Neice) Heeren.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Elmer, daughters Connie (Bruce) Jorgensen, Cathy (Bill) Berry, Carol (Kip) Hepfinger, and Christine (Mark) Bailey and sons Craig (Julie) Heeren, Ed Heeren and Jeff (Carrie) Heeren, as well as 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax-exempt donation to Start Over Rover (www.startoverrover.org – a no kill animal shelter) or to the Salvation Army.