Frieda M. Heist Obituary (1917 - 2011)

Frieda M. Heist, 94 years of age, of Beatrice passed away at the Beatrice Community Hospital Monday morning, October 24, 2011. She was born on October 17, 1917 near Pickrell, NE. to Henry and Lydia (Obering) Spilker. She attended school in Gage County graduating from Beatrice High School in 1936. She began her five year teaching career at District 61. She spent the rest of her life as a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who was involved in many church and community activities. Frieda and John E. Heist were married on June 22, 1941 at Christ Lutheran Church of R. Pickrell. They began married life on a farm northeast of Pickrell. On March 1, 1949 the family moved to a farm west of Pickrell and lived there until moving to Beatrice on August 1, 1984. She and John moved to the Homestead House in January of 20o2. She was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran (Soap Creek) Church of R. DeWitt where she had taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and belonged to the Willing Workers Circle in which she held offices at the local and district levels. She spent 17 years being a leader for the Peppy Pals 4-H Club. After moving to Beatrice she joined the Retired Teachers of Gage County and volunteered at the Bargain Box. Frieda also belonged to the Thrifty Neighbors Extension Club. She enjoyed meeting and talking to people and helping others. Frieda's favorite past times included reading, bowling, dominoes, bingo and watching ball games (especially Nebraska games). Frieda cherished the time she spent with her family. Survivors include one daughter Patricia A. Ward and husband James P. of Oro Valley, AZ.; 2 sons, Robert J. Heist and wife Linda Sue of Lincoln, NE. and Maurice A. Heist and wife Debra of Pickrell, NE.; grandchildren Robert Heist II of Lincoln, Spencer Heist of Dallas, TX., and Justin Heist of Pickrell; step grandchildren Jennifer Ward of Phoenix, AZ. and Corbin Ward of Minister, OH.; two step great grandsons Ryker and Owen Ward of Ohio; sisters in law Betty Spilker and Genial Heist, both of Beatrice; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Lydia (Obering) Spilker; husband John E. Heist (2005); brothers Vernon and Harvey Spilker; brothers in law George Heist and Charlie Spilker; and sisters in law Emma Spilker and Esther (Spilker) Overbeck. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the St. Paul's Lutheran (Soap Creek) Church, R. DeWitt with Reverend Rick Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul's Cemetery. The body will lie in state Wednesday from 11-9:00 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice and at the church one hour preceding the service on Thursday. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the church with Wayne Brinkmeyer and Harlan Schroeder in charge. Sign her register book or leave a message of condolence at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.