Martha "Marty" Anna Heggem, 89, Spearfish, SD died Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Serenity Corner Assisted Living Center.
Marty was born September 27, 1923 to Herbert and Mary (Desch) Thomas in Shenandoah, IA. She grew up there, graduating from high school. She then attended North Central Bible College graduating with a three year accounting degree.
She worked various jobs in the Shenandoah area through high school and after high school. She later moved to the Minneapolis, MN area, where she worked at the Bible College as a bookkeeper and in payroll. She returned to Iowa, where she worked for an attorney for a time. She moved to Texas, where she also worked for a pharmacist.
In 1952, Marty moved to Buffalo, SD to fill in for her sister at the Harding County Courthouse, while she was on maternity leave. While living there she met Melvin Heggem and they were married on November 10, 1953. She joined him on the Heggem ranch north of Camp Crook, where she lived until they purchased a second home in Spearfish in 1970. While living in Spearfish, she worked at the Dorsett Home and worked at the Passion Play.
Together with Melvin, they raised four children, which became her passion and continued with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never wavered in sharing her faith in Christ. Marty's life was an example to her family and all who surrounded her.
Survivors include her children; Marvin (Linda) Heggem, Mark (Jamea) Heggem, Marcia (Mark) Lermeny and Mona (Lonuld) Balo; ten grandchildren MaKinzie Heggem, Tim Heggem, Ryan Heggem, Katie Heggem, Erin (Josh) Klempel, Margo Lermeny, Dillon (Julia) Lermeny, Chance (Casey) Lermeny, Guy Balo, Etta (Mike) Knuth; step-grandchildren, Rebecca and Jeremie; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Miriam Collins; brother-in-law, Everett Nollsch; sister-in-laws, Pauline Bucher and Aline Barnes. Also special to Marty are numerous nieces and nephews, and close friends, Jerri Heggem and Shelly Olthoff. Marty was preceded in death by her parents, husband Melvin, two sisters Ruth and Naomi and two brothers Philip (in infancy) and Paul.
Funeral Services for Marty will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Calvary Temple assembly of God Church in Spearfish, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be left at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com