Henrietta "Hank" Heppler, 78 of Lead, SD passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital.

Hank was born on September 1, 1934 to Edward and Elizabeth (Lingmann) Heppler on a farm near Zell, SD. She was raised in that area, attending Redfield schools through her junior year. Her family moved to Lead in June of 1951, where she graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1952. She worked at the Western Drug Store before beginning her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator in the Lead-Deadwood Area for 23 years before becoming disabled.

She is survived by her brothers, Victor (Ella) Heppler, Coaldale, Alberta Canada, George Heppler, Albuquerque, NM, Eddie (Beverly) Heppler, Salida, CO; sisters Irene (Mike) Munoz, Reno, NV, Rachel (Duane) Bakken, Helena, MT, Nedra (Joe) Jones, Burk Burnett, TX; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; Many friends in the Lead-Deadwood area including fellow residents at Gold Mountain Apartments. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Alberda Wieseler, Margaret Dargan, Jean Alley, brother, Richard Heppler, nephew Daniel Bakken and niece Monica Munoz Weir.

Visitation for will be 6:00-7:00 PM Monday, May 27, 2013 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lead, followed by a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the church with Father Kerry Prendiville officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lead. A memorial has been established to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or one's choosing.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.