Arlene Mae Lemmon Heppner passed peacefully at Legacy Assisted Living Facility in Helena, MT on Thursday, April 26, 2018.
Arlene was born on July 10, 1924, in Savoy, MT to Claude and Billie Lemmon. She graduated from Harlem High School and married Rudy Heppner on January 26, 1942. Following WWII, they moved to Great Falls where they raised their five children. After raising her children, she went to Beauty College, which was always an ambition of hers.
They purchased a “weekend get-away” in Lincoln, in 1967 and after Rudy retired, they moved to Lincoln, where she opened her own Beauty Shop. When Rudy had a stroke in 1981, she closed her shop and took care of him for 15 years, until his death in 1996.
As luck would have it, an All-School Reunion in Harlem, MT reunited her with Bernard Bergren, a widower and long-time family friend. They fell in love and he moved her to his home in Havre, MT. They were together for 17 years until his passing in May, 2013. She then moved to Helena to be closer to her family.
Arlene loved dancing, playing cards, Bingo, gambling, and Vince Gill. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She was a very beautiful, gracious and elegant lady!
Arlene was preceded in death by Rudy and Bernard, her parents, and sisters, Roberta “Bobbi” Gaethle and Verna “Sis” Klepzig. She is survived by her children, Rosann “Rosie” (Burt, deceased) Teigen, Palmer, AK; Ramona “Mona” (Jim) Awbery, Lewistown, MT; Rhonda (Scott) Skerlock, Lincoln, MT; Rena (Bob) Spangler, Montana City, MT; and Rudy “Butch” Heppner, Helena, MT and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her six stepchildren, who she adored: Jerry (Penney) Bergren, Havre, MT; Tom (Deb) Bergren, Havasu City, AZ; Dick (Garnet) Bergren, Havre, MT; Lynne (Gary) Nordrum, Bay City, ID; Randy (Janice) Bergren, Havre, MT; and Clea Bergren, Havre, MT.
All 11 children refer to themselves as “The Heppgrens” in honor of the many happy years that Arlene and Bernard spent together.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice and to the staff at Legacy Assisted Living Facility. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018 with a Funeral Serviceto follow at 2:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. with a Reception to follow the service at the Eagles Lodge, 801 N. Fee St., Helena. A Private Burial will be held at a later date. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Arlene.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 1, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 2, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 2, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday May 2, 2018
Eagles Lodge
801 N. Fee St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 1, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 2, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 2, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday May 2, 2018
Eagles Lodge
801 N. Fee St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Barbara Phillips says
My deepest sympathies to your family. Your love and memories of Arlene will be in your hearts forever.
Sharron Schneiderhan says
I was so sad to read this, I had no idea the end was coming so soon, My Love And Prayers to all you family…Your ole neighbor ..Sharron
Don Licht says
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and I just want to offer my condolences to all you guys.
Mary Ann Gregory says
Gracious, fun and a wonderful wife to Rudy and loving mother to all her children.
Bonny Minster says
Rosie and Families…Thinking of you in your time of loss and remembering with you, the life of someone so very special.
Ray & Susan Hemmer says
We are so sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing and did not realize that she was in Helena. We knew Rudy and Arlene as they lived close to the Seven Up when we were there and also knew the family at that time. Arlene was a special person and you will miss her, but she left you with many wonderful memories.
Ray and Susan Hemmer
Ray and Susan Hemmer says
We are so sorry to learn of Arlene’s passing and did not realize she was in Helena. Rudy and Arlene had their place in Lincoln close to the Seven Up Ranch when we were there and we say them often and knew them well. Arlene was a wonderful person and you will miss her very much, but she left you with great memories.
Ray and Susan Hemmer