Margaret Ann Heger Obituary

Des Moines - Margaret Heger, 87, died on February 5, 2024 at Valley View Village in Des Moines, Iowa. She will be missed by everyone who knew her especially children Doug, Jerry, Earl, Larry, Ronny and Patty.

Margaret was born in Des Moines, IA on September 11, 1936, the oldest of five children of Tom and Madeline (Shepard) Bray. She attended All Saints Grade School and graduated from St Joseph’s Academy in 1954.

She worked for AT&T after high school and then married Godfrey Heger in June, 1957.

She was an active member and supporter of St Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 60 years. She loved her rosaries, prayer books, church bulletins and religious books !

Her focus in life was her family and St Joseph’s parish and both were closely related. She raised six wonderful children, attending sporting events and class and social activities, helping with school homework and projects and giving wise advice whenever needed. She was never at a loss for words !

Later in life, after the children had grown she made several trips around Iowa and the Midwest-- Amana Colonies, Missouri, Colorado and many other places. However, she made sure she was in Des Moines for the visit from Pope John Paul II in 1979. It was a huge event that she enjoyed reliving and discussing over and over. She also found time to work in the Food Service Dept. at Des Moines Public Schools for 14 years and for Hospice for several years. She enjoyed watching sports especially her favorite baseball team the St. Louis Cardinals.

Like with her children, she doted on all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never seemed to forget a single birthday, anniversary or special event.

Margaret is survived by her six children: Doug (Kim) Heger of Ankeny, IA; Jerry Heger of Palm Springs, CA; Earl (Linda) Heger of Des Moines, IA; Larry Heger of Des Moines, IA; Ronny (Laura) Heger of Naperville, IL; and Patty (Ross) Breed of Des Moines, IA.

She was very proud of her grandchildren: Tim (Devin), Emily (Mike) Leland and Michael (Kelly) Heger; Heather, Stephanie and Patrick Heger; Nick and Ryan Heger; and Jessica (Jarrod) Cain.

She was also very proud of her great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Kinnick and Kameron Cain; Cassie Heger and Tommy Heger-Wilson; Leilani Leland; and Griffin and Blair Heger.

She is also survived by her brothers John and Tommy Bray, sister-in-law Jean Heger, and sister-in-law Gail Bray.

She was preceded in death by her husband Godfrey; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Jim Kennedy; brother Joe Bray; sister-in-law Jann Bray and sister-in-law Georga Bray.

The family would like to sincerely thank Edencrest Altoona, Mercy Hospital and Valley View Village who took such wonderful care of Margaret.

Visitation will be held at Iles Grandview Park Funeral Home in Des Moines on Monday, February 12 from 5-7 pm, with a Vigil Service at 7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Des Moines on Tuesday, February 13 at 10 am followed by a burial service at Glendale Cemetery and then luncheon back at St Joseph’s Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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