Jerene D. Heesacker

Jerene Doris Heesacker, daughter of Daniel and Delia Bruns was born February 17, 1931 at Rushville, Nebraska and she was baptized June 21, 1931 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She departed this life September 29, 2025 at the age of 94 years.

Jerene graduated from Rushville High School and went on to Chadron State College to earn her teaching credit. With her passion for teaching and children, her career began in a one room schoolhouse near Hay Springs, Nebraska.

On June 21, 1949 Jerene was united in marriage with Marvin C. Heesacker. To this union four children were born Mike, Pat, Sheila, and Marvie. Marvin, Jerene and their first born lived near Hay Springs until the fall of 1951 when they moved to a ranch north of Manderson, South Dakota.

It was there that she built a life of ranching with her husband and enjoying everything that came with it. Amongst neighbors she was known for riding paint horses, her lemon meringue pie at brandings, and setting another plate on the table for anyone that came during meal time.

In 1972, she began working for the Shannon County School District. Her first year as a bus driver and the remaining years as a paraprofessional at Rockyford School where she was loved and respected by many. After 44 years of dedication, she retired in 2016.

After retirement she remained on the ranch. She loved the beauty that surrounded her. From the rolling hills to the west to the badlands to the east… It was home.

She would often share her favorite childhood memory with her children and grandchildren… She had trained her pony to lay down and then cover him in a pile leaves. While he laid there waiting, she would run to get her mom to come see “something”. Upon their return, the pony would jump up and shake. She said her mom would act surprised no matter how many times she did it.

Jerene found solace and strength through her daily commitment in reading and studying God’s Word. The wisdom she found brought comfort throughout her life’s trials and tribulations.

Jerene is survived by her two sons Mike (Anita) Heesacker and Pat Heesacker; two daughters, Sheila Sivertsen and Marvie (Pat) Mulcahy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin C. Heesacker; special friend, Bob Hunter; parents, Daniel and Delia Bruns; and siblings Harlow, Lester, Wayne, Kathryn, and Marvin.

Funeral services will be held October 4th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Rushville, Nebraska. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, Nebraska with Chamberlain Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers are grandsons Colton Heesacker, Rylan Heesacker, Marvin Heesacker, Tommy Heesacker, Rance Sivertsen, and Denis Mulcahy.

Honorary pallbearers are granddaughters Lakey Heesacker, Julie Heesacker, Chazere (Sivertsen) Schmautz, and Calene (Mulcahy) Southard.

Special mention pallbearers are great grandchildren Kona, Jamison, Jazelle, Carleigh, Caidynn, Reignleigh, Radleigh, Nash, Wylder, Korbin, Brixten, Cohen, Cayson, and Rhett.

Jerene’s devotion to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Rushville, Nebraska will continue through an established memorial in her name. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Mortuary, P.O. Box 6, Gordon, NE 69343

Visitation is Friday, October 3rd from 5:00 – 7:00pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rushville.

Funeral service is Saturday October 4th at 11:00am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, NE