Wanda Bernice Bowen was born October 8, 1918, in Elrod, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles H. and Minnie (Thompson) Bowen. At the age of 10, she moved with her family to western South Dakota. She was educated in rural schools in Pennington and Haakon Counties.
Wanda was united in marriage to Floyd “Jim” Heeb on December 30, 1935, in Kadoka, South Dakota. They lived in the Ottumwa area until moving into Philip, where she has since resided.
Survivors include a daughter Barbara Kroetch of Philip; a son Dean Heeb and his wife Cheri of Midland; six grandchildren Brad Kroetch (Donna) of Bossier City, Louisiana, Renea Koupal (Greg) of Rapid City, Matt Heeb of Mandan, North Dakota, Dawn Schwinler (John) of Brookings, Rose Heeb of Brookings, and Cecil Heeb in the US Marine Corp; four great-grandchildren Chris and Ryan Kroetch and Riley and Anora Schwinler; a great-great-granddaughter Norah; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents; two brothers Dale and Marvin Bowen; a sister Irene Triolo; and a son-in-law Fritz Kroetch.
Visitation was held 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach as celebrant.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established to the EMS of Midland and Philip.
Casual attire is encouraged for the funeral.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Kevin Achbach
MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Rose Heeb - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“On Eagles Wings”
“Gift of Finest Wheat”
LECTOR
Lloyd Frein
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Chuck Kroetch - Kay Ainslie - Joann Pearson
USHERS
Bill Stahl - Jeff Nelson
ALTAR SERVERS
John Daly - Brett Daly
PALLBEARERS
Brennan Daly - Mickey Daly
Mark Foland - Bruce Kroetch
Tom Konst - Alvin Pearson
Steve VanTassel
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
Barbara, Dean, and families, Our sympathy is with all of you at this time. Wanda was a very friendly and nice lady. She always stopped to visit when she saw us on the street or in church. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Gene and Audrey
~ Gene & Audrey Jones
Midland (11/17/2012)
My sympathy to all of you, I know that she was ready to be with Jesus and what a comfort to know that she is. I am with my families East River so I will miss the services my prayers are with you and I will see you on down the road.
~ Mary Kay Sandal
Plainview, SD (11/17/2012)
Wanda was always so much fun to visit with. We had family members in common and would touch base about them often. I would sit by her and visit during the Tuesday night dances at the nursing home. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time.
~ Marie Mortellaro
Philip, SD (11/17/2012)
Barbara, Dean and Cheri and families, We want to extend our sympathy in the death of your mother. Wanda was a one of a kind. She always greeted me with a smile and a "Hi Barb" and loved to visit. She had a real zest for life. I know attending Mass weekly was something she looked forward to and was the highlight of her week. She loved the Lord, Jesus, and had deep faith. Now she has been called home. May perpetual light shine on her and may she rest in the peace of Christ.
~ Barbara and Morris Jones
Midland (11/17/2012)
Barb I have thought about you so many times. Iremember the times on week ends going on the train to Phillip with you on week-endsand your mom always waiting for us. Im so sorry for your loss,and would like to hear from you. marie
~ Maria (haight) Krick
840-110 N Spruce rapid city 57701 (11/17/2012)
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this tough time. Find peace in the presence of family. And smile at all the memories.
~ Krystl (Anderson) Vermundson
Rapid City, SD (11/17/2012)
Barb, Dean & Cheri and families,
I am saddened to learn of Wanda's passing. The Heeb and Fenwick families go "way" back to when we attended church at St. Rose in Ottumwa. Wanda never forgot her friends and was always up for a chat. Prayers from one who cares. Pat Fenwick Snook
~ Pat Snook
Midland, SD (11/17/2012)
Remember all the times out at Ottumwa when we got together Wanda was a very fun lady to be around. Never any dull moments!! Remember all the great times you all had together over the years. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren and would talk about them when we would see each other here in Philip. Wanda was a true friend and will be missed by so many. God Bless all of you in the days ahead.
~ George & Shirley Dennis
Philip (11/17/2012)
So sorry to hear about your lost. May God be with you and your family at this difficult time.
~ Vince and Mary Schofield Mary Schofield
Midland (11/17/2012)
I enjoyed my last visit with Wanda at the nursing home. She and some of the other residents were sharing some early memories---it was a great afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Rd. Philip, SD (11/17/2012)
I really got to know Wanda when I would stop in the Senior Citizen's Center for morning coffee. She loved to visit and tell stories...and she did well at both! We have lost another of our treasures.
~ Nancy
Green Valley, AZ (11/17/2012)
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It makes me sad to see another old friend and neighbor leave us. I have many fond memories of conversations with Wanda. I know she is at peace now and her memory will continue to be with you always.
~ Marcia Jackson
Hot Springs, SD (11/17/2012)
So sorry for your loss!! I always enjoyed visiting with Wanda!! She always remembered you!! She is resting in heaven with our good Lord!! Always remember the good times you all shared.
~ Gary & Jody Block
Midland, SD (11/17/2012)
We were saddened to hear about Wanda's death, but know she was ready. We have known her for many years, it was nice to have her as Emmie's roommate at the Nursing Home. Hold onto all the good memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (11/17/2012)
So sorry to hear of Wanda's passing. I have know her for many years and always found that she had a sense of humor, sometimes dry but always humor!!God be with you all in the days ahead!
~ Joe Millage
Philip (11/17/2012)
I always admired Wanda, she said it how it was, If you had a compliment coming she wasn't afraid to tell you about it, but if there was something that didn't set right with her she would tell you too. I so enjoyed visiting with her when she would come up to the bowling alley which were frequent when she could drive. I still have to laugh when she told me after her 90th Birthday party. "Well if I would have known how much fun this was going to be I'd have let them have more parties for my Birthday" What an honest lady she was. Rest in peace Wanda you shared all you could. Thank You.
~ Dorothy Hansen
Philip (11/17/2012)
Barb, Dean, and family,
Donnie has known Wanda since he was a kid growing up in Ottumwa. He is so sorry to not be able to make it to the service. Sometimes we cannot do what we would like to. We were sorry to hear of her passing. She was always interesting to visit with and always had such a dry sense of humor. She was such a funny lady, not ever afraid to say what was on her mind. She was someone you were proud to list as a friend. I can about guarantee that heaven is livlier with her there. Hold your memories close and know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield
Milesville, SD (11/17/2012)
How blessed to have had Wanda in your lives and those of your families for so many years. She enjoyed so much all the little things in life. Memories are where you can visit often.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (11/17/2012)