Deryle D. Heger

Deryle D. Heger, son of Louis and Anna (Lambrecht) Heger, was born and raised in the rural Bennington/Elk City area. He was born in the family home and was baptized there too. He was the youngest of three children, Louis and LaVonn both preceded him in death, along with his parents and two of his son in laws Louis Polacek and L. Dan Scigo. At fifteen years old he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Thus began the long journey of being a brittle diabetic. He could tell the best stories of adventures he had with his buddies while he was growing up. However, his favorite story was picking up this cute farmer’s daughter Mabel who was walking on the side of the road with her cousin Elda. Deryle drove a milk truck for Robert’s Dairy and picked-up milk from the local farmers in Douglas and Washington counties. It just so happened that Mabel’s parent's farm was his first stop each day. It wasn’t long before Mabel was riding along with him every day. He married the love of his life, Mabel E. Neuhaus, on January 1, 1950 at Zion Lutheran church in Omaha. Together they began their farming story in the rural Millard era where they have been long time members of St Paul’s Lutheran church in Millard. They were blessed with six children, Marilee, Terry, Bob, Bill, and the twins Lori and Patti. Deryle had a true love for the land and farming. In the early 1960’s he was asked to show the soviets his farming skills. He never tired of tending the land even when his health started to become an issue. He was very proud to tell the heart doctor he was still in the combine. Even after having his leg amputated below the knee in Sept of 2007, he still made his sons get him up in the combine using the tractor with the loader. His will to never give up and never give in to his health issues were an inspiration to his family and others. His doctors always marveled at how well and how long he has lived being a brital diabetic. His children always say it is because he is a farmer and because mom took such good care of him. Deryle was always working – long days, seven days a week. In the winter, in the early days, he drove truck, worked the feedlots, and pumped gas. Dad taught by example; all of his children appreciate the land and animals and have his strong work ethic. A couple weeks ago his daughter Patti was talking to him about getting extra care in the home; Deryle told her he didn’t need it and that she should know that it is coming. It being the end of his life. With her dad’s quick wit, she said, well yes dad, I know it is coming as you are 85 years old. Deryle chuckled. All of the kids, helped on the farm but none more than his sons. Bob and Bill were always part of the farming business. They farmed over 2000 acres in the rural Millard area. Taking care of the land when local farmers like Lavern Plambeck, Lyle Spethman and others retired. During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s his daughter Patti convinced Deryle, and her brothers to have a farm float in the annual Millard Days parade. The float show-cased farming and usually had baby pigs and a calf on it. Deryle talked them into including his horse and buggy behind the float. They won several awards for that which made Deryle proud. More important though was he enjoyed talking about farming. He was a bit of the local historian. When any of his kids took him anywhere, he would recount whose farm such and such place was; even if it had been developed years ago and the farmer had long since passed away. Through the years, Deryle collected tractors; specifically John Deere tractors. He needed them for farming but he also purchased antique ones and he; along with his sons, refurbished them. Along with collecting John Deere tractors, Deryle loved his John Deere room in his basement. He has all things John Deere down there (trains, rugs and of course tractors). He was so proud of that room that he would invite strangers into the house to see his John Deere room; which Mabel wasn’t that happy about. Deryle loved his dog Freddy and his cat. His children always reminded him how as they were growing up that he never allowed cats in the house and here he was now letting his cat finish his cereal bowl every morning. The cat would even go on Gator rides with him. Freddy is a special dog and knew when Deryle was having an insulin reaction due to low blood sugar. Freddy would go and nudge Mabel. Deryle is survived by his wife Mabel, his children Marilee Polacek, Terry Scigo, Bob & Pam Heger, Bill and special friend Chantelle, Lori & Ed Conant and Patti & Scott Dunaway. He was very blessed to have such a large family including his grandchildren Ben, Jon and Katie Polacek, Jennifer Scigo & Pohl Longsine, Matthew Scigo & his wife Joyce, Stephen Scigo & his wife Ashley, Bob’s daughter Jackie Heger and step-son Ryan Hanson and Lori’s son Beau Conant; plus Patti’s step-children Scott Dunaway Jr. and Amber Dunaway. Deryle also is survived by great-grandson Henry (Jennifer’s son) and great- granddaughter Luna (Mathew’s daughter). Plus four step great-grandchildren Damian & Anthony (Amber’s sons) and Landyn and Savannah (Scott Jr.’s children). Visitation, Wednesday, 4-8pm with family present from 5-7pm at Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) Celebration of Life, Thursday, 10:30 at the mortuary Interment, Mount Auburn Cemetery Visitation, Wednesday, 4-8pm with family present from 5-7pm at Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) Celebration of Life, Thursday, 10:30 at the mortuary Interment, Mount Auburn Cemetery