Funeral services for Darwin J. Heppner, 81, of Norfolk will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, Norfolk: Reverend Dr. Raponzil Drake will officiate. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Norfolk. Visitation will be Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Home for Funerals Chapel 708 Georgia Ave, Norfolk, Nebraska.
Darwin died Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Stanton Health Center. Darwin J Heppner was born on October 29, 1937 to Max and Fern (Emily) Heppner in Norfolk. On July 25, 1957, Darwin married Janice Ann Wagner in Norfolk.
They made their home in Norfolk and raised four children. Darwin and Janice just celebrated 61 years of marriage. The love that they had for each other was timeless.
They instilled the importance of family in their children and grandchildren. He was a devoted family man. Darwin was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
He had a career at Henningsen Foods, Inc. in Norfolk for 55 years. He had worked many positions and retired as the plant manager for several years. Darwin was able to travel overseas on many occasions to help with plant operations.
He was also the owner and operator of Heppner Sanitary Service for over 45 years. He served as a rural volunteer fireman. He enjoyed raising cattle east of Norfolk.
On his truck, his license plate says “4 my cows”. Darwin enjoyed picnics, vacations every summer in many places across the United States, going on drives with his wife and watching CNN. He loved sports, especially Nebraska football.
He always had his remote-control right by his side so he could change the channels frequently. Darwin lived life to the fullest with simple pleasures like sweets, coffee, coke, french fries, apples, and McDonald’s sausage biscuit. He loved singing and always warned people that he would become famous.
He was well known for his smile, his wink and his jokes. He loved hunting with his sons and grandchildren. He also loved fishing.
Darwin’s grandchildren have fond memories of going to the Black Hills with their grandparents in their camper. He had the ability to reach people in a deep and positive way, giving and offering people money and advice to people who needed assistance. He invited people to family picnics or holiday gatherings even if they were not family.
He was so appreciative of everything. Darwin touched many lives and he would want people to go on and do something that would honor him. Darwin is survived by his wife, Janice and one brother Doug (Tippy) Heppner of Clinton, Iowa.
Darwin was a wonderful father to Rick Heppner (special friend- JoAnn Leonard) of Norfolk, Jeff (Marj) Heppner of Stanton, Kim (Gary) Frowick of Norfolk. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. Darwin had twelve grandchildren, Nicholas Heppner, Tabitha Heckens, Megan Frowick-Morgan, Christina Benson, Whitney Svoboda, Blake Heppner, Kali Frowick, Brenna Frowick, Courtney Cowling, Caitlyn Cowling, Hannah Heppner and Conner Cowling.
He also had thirteen great-grandchildren who loved to cuddle with their great-grandpa. Also, he has many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents- Max and Fern Heppner, daughter- Jodi Cowling, brothers- Darel Heppner, Dean Heppner, Dallas Heppner, and half-brother Harold Hlad, sisters- Audrey Sutter and Ardith Payne.
The pallbearers are Nicholas Heppner, Conner Cowling, Blake Heppner, Dallas Heckens, David Morgan II and Billy Bissell. The honorary pallbearers are Tabitha Heckens, Megan Frowick-Morgan, Christina Benson, Whitney Svoboda, Kali Frowick, Brenna Frowick, Courtney Cowling, Caitlyn Cowling, and Hannah Heppner. There’s still time to send flowers to the Funeral Service at the First United Methodist Church at 10:30 AM on December 4, 2018.
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