Grace Gloria Hegenbart

Grace Gloria Hegenbart

August 25, 1925 – January 31, 2020

OMAHA, NE | Grace Gloria Hegenbart, 94, of Omaha—formerly a lifelong resident of Sioux City, IA—passed away peacefully with family at her side on January 31, 2020, at an Omaha care facility following a long illness.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE: will be 11am Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Augustana Lutheran Church (600 Court St., Sioux City, IA), with the Revs. Jane Johnston and Del Olivier officiating. Private inurnment will be at a later date.  VISITATION with the family will be 10am to 11am in the church narthex prior to the service, with a reception in the church’s fellowship hall following the service.  Condolences may be sent online at www.heafeyheafey.com.  In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for Gloria with the American Baptist Homes of the Midwest or St. Joseph Villa Hospice.

Gloria was born on August 25, 1925, in Sioux City, to Fred B. and Carrie (Wheeler) Phipps.  She graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1943 and married F.J. “Joe” Hegenbart, Sr. on July 12, 1947 at Augustana Lutheran Church.  From 1943 to 1957, Gloria worked at several office positions.  Finally, in 1957, she landed the job she wanted more than anything: Motherhood.  In the 1970s, Gloria started a career with the City of Sioux City retiring as an accounting clerk.  Gloria was an avid bridge player and, with Joe, played in a 500-card club for 50 years.  During the 1960s and 1970s, the couple were members of the 100 Club and Gloria adored the club’s dinner and dancing evenings for which she wore a series of formal gowns she’d sewn herself.  Gloria enthusiastically participated in bowling and golf leagues and often wished she could get out on a golf course “just one more time.”  She was a lifelong member of Augustana Lutheran Church at which she was active in women’s circle, teaching Sunday school and altar guild.  She was very involved in the activities of her sons and lead scout troops, volunteered as room mother, and never missed a concert, play or sporting event. Gloria was, perhaps, best known for the food and hospitality offered at the numerous patio parties, cookouts, and several decades of New Year’s Eve parties she and Joe hosted.

Gloria is survived by her three sons, F.J. “Joe” Hegenbart, Jr. of Sioux City, Fred (Liz) of Tulsa, OK and Scott (Scott Dibble) of Omaha, NE.  Also carrying memories of Gloria are her granddaughters: Molly (Harry) Bailey of London; Maggie (Jason) McDaniel of Midland, TX; Megan Hegenbart and her fiancée Daniel Andrews of Tulsa, OK; and several beloved nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Glow Hagberg and June Darwin.