Obituary of Katie Heppner

HEPPNER – Katie (Grunau) passed away on October 29, 2011 at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Katie was born in Chortitza, Russia on May 6, 1923 to John and Katherine Grunau and immigrated to Canada in 1926. They settled in the Winnipeg, MB area and later moved to the Hallonquist and Neidpath area where Katie received her schooling. The possibility to move to Swift Current opened up for the family, and here Katie excelled in her studies at the Elmwood School and Swift Current Collegiate. After graduation from Grade 12, she took a commercial course, then took a job at Jack May’s Optical and after several years, she went to work in the office of the Co-op Creamery, where she stayed until her retirement. She attended Sunday school and church regularly and being church librarian gave her access to the reading of many good books. She also did the books for the MCC Store for a number of years after her retirement. In these early years she enjoyed working in the booth at Elim Gospel Beach. Here she met Art Heppner from Waldheim. They were married in Swift Current on June 2, 1951, and were privileged to celebrate their 60th Anniversary this past June. Katie enjoyed a very special gift of crocheting and will long be remembered for the many doilies she mad for her family and friends. Katie was baptized in the Emmaus Mennonite Church and became a member of Zion Mennonite Church where she stayed until her passing. Katie liked being involved in the Women in Mission Group. Her and Arthur spent many of their holidays at Radium Hot Springs and after retirement took several bus tours into the USA and the west coast. Shortly after moving into the Riverview Village Katie started to show signs of slowing down. Katie enjoyed good health until recently, when on September 15 she underwent major surgery and was unable to rally back from it and went to her eternal home on October 29, 2011. She is survived by: her husband Art Heppner, sister Erna Klassen of Swift Current, sister-in-law Leona Smith of Canwod, brother-in-law Reuben (Norma) Heppner of Calgary and many nieces and nephews. Katie was predeceased by her parents John & Katherine Grunau, brother-in-law Henry Klassen, parents-in-law John & Maria Heppner, sister-in-law Ella Heppner and brothers-in-law John & Pete Heppner. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Mennonite Church with Reverend Herman Wiebe officiating. The interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK. Donations may be made to the Gideon’s, Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.