Jane Elizabeth Heggen

Jane Heggen, 53, died March 30 at the home of her sister and brother-in-law after living with advanced adencarcinoma for the past 20 months.
She was born in Ames, Iowa to Zuma (betty) and Theodore Heggen. She lived most of her adult life in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She moved to Des Moines in December 2006 to be close to family.

Jane worked as an estimator for Gee Asphalt in Cedar Rapids for many years. Her true passion in life was to care for the well being of rescued dogs, as well as other breeds housed in the inhumane condition of puppy mills. She was a founding member of the Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition.

In the past year she received the Winston Neff Memorial Award and the 2007 BARC Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the health and welfare of rescued Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Jane is survived by her mother, Betty Heggen of Ames, IA, father and Step-mother Ted and Emerald Heggen of Las Cruces, NM, sister and brother-in-law Judy Heggen and Bruce Espe of Des Moines, IA, nephew Seth Espe, niece Keeta (Tony) Link, and great-niece Jenna Link, all of Des Moines, IA. She is also suvived by her lovely Berner Companions Weaver and Zeke, and rescued Yorkie, Willy. She is preceded in death by her grandparetns and companions Joey, Bear, Cowboy, Bean, and the poster boy for BARC, freckles. A Memorial Service is planned for a later a date at the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart Connections, which sponsors camps and activities for children with cancer, or the the Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition.