Lorene Elizabeth Heckemeyer, age 88, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Westphalia Hills.  She was born in Meta on August 14, 1934, daughter of the late Louis Herman and Regina Clara (Borgmeyer) Plassmeyer.  On the morning of April 27, 1957, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Lorene was united in marriage to Fredrick "Fred" Joseph Heckemeyer, who preceded her in death on September 30, 2003.

Lorene was raised in rural Maries County where she attended Thompson Hill School, a one room schoolhouse, which was a two-mile hike from her family farm.  Growing up and working on the farm Lorene established a strong work ethic which she exemplified throughout her life.

She took great pride in caring for her home and the family farm.  Lorene had many endearing qualities including her contagious smile, humble heart, empathy for others, and her deep faith and love for God, a value in which she instilled in her family.

Lorene loved her close-knit family and had a rewarding career as a homemaker and later in life worked in the dietary department at St. Elizabeth R-IV, where she enjoyed seeing her grandchildren, who were the greatest joys of her life.  Her cooking was legendary, and she hosted countless Sunday meals for her family.

Lorene was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and was her family's biggest cheerleader when it came to their local sports.  She was a talented quilter and was a master gardener, canning various produce to provide for her growing family.  She enjoyed playing pitch, pinochle, fishing, and butchering with her family.

Lorene was a member of the St. Elizabeth Quilting Group, St. Ann's Sodality, and was a life-long member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

She is survived by five sons, Ralph (Liz) Heckemeyer, Leroy (Sheila) Heckemeyer, Carl (Teresa) Heckemeyer, Dale (Michelle) Heckemeyer, and Curt (Rhonda) Heckemeyer all of St. Elizabeth; four daughters, Lora (John) Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth, Ruth (Tom) Otto of St. Anthony, Linda (David) Boessen of St. Thomas, and Brenda (Brad) Niemeier of Wein; 30 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren with four on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Eleanor Wilde and two brothers, Roman Plassmeyer and Albert Plassmeyer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, March 14, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Fr. Christopher Aubuchon officiating.  Interment will be held in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Monday, March 13, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth