Phyllis Ann Heckemeyer
November 24, 1947 ~ March 2, 2019
Phyllis Ann (Bisges) Heckemeyer, 71, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday March 2, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.
She was born November 24, 1947, in Osage Bend, MO, the daughter of the late Joseph Henry Bisges and Ludvina Alma (Bode) Bisges.
Phyllis attended school in Osage Bend and Fatima High School, graduating at the age of 16. Following her high school years, she graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and several years later from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a master’s degree in the same field.
Phyllis was the first Business Education teacher at Blair Oaks High School in Wardsville, MO. She next taught school at John Marshall High School while her husband served in the Air Force, and finally at Nichols Career Center and Lincoln University.
Later, Phyllis worked at the State of Missouri Department of Revenue in multiple training roles, which eventually led her to start a software training company called “Training First” in Jefferson City. Her office was located on Missouri Boulevard and her largest customers were ABB, Central Bank and IBM. While working with IBM she traveled to 20+ states to deliver custom training to large, regional groups of their employees. Phyllis ended her career with training and technology roles for the Missouri State Teachers Retirement System and the Department of Economic Development in Jefferson City.
Phyllis was united in marriage on August 12, 1967, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Osage Bend, MO to John Heckemeyer, who survives at their home in Jefferson City.
Following John’s Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in 1972, they joined the Cathedral of St. Joseph, where Phyllis volunteered her time in fundraising efforts such as the Christmas Bazaar and cooked for Monsignor Kurwicki during her retirement. She was active in Marriage Encounter where she helped couples grow in their commitment to each other and improve their marriages while traveling to several national convention sites. In later years she also volunteered for the Red Cross.
Phyllis' life was centered around being a faithful servant of God, a devoted wife, a loving mom and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Phyllis had a passion for her many interests and hobbies including: * Cooking - She was an avid collector of recipes and never afraid to test her skills on new dishes. * Dancing - She and her husband could often be seen on the dance floor at the Capitol Ritz and Steppin’ Out. * Golf - She took the game up later in life, picking it up quickly. * Piano - She learned to play well, eventually acquiring a grand piano, which was one of her prized possessions. * Tennis - She played at the Jefferson City Parks & Recreation courts and the YMCA in a doubles league with fellow members. * Travel - in addition to frequent journeys to California and Colorado to visit family, she planned a unique trip to Hawaii, a snowmobiling trek through Yellowstone National Park and her 50th wedding anniversary in Lake Tahoe.
Survivors include her husband, John Heckemeyer, Jefferson City, MO; three children, Derek (Marie) Heckemeyer, Castle Rock, CO; Kevin Heckemeyer, San Diego, CA; Jared (Uyen Cao) Heckemeyer, Irvine, CA; five grandchildren, Erika Heckemeyer, Cole Cao, Ethan Heckemeyer, Taylor Heckemeyer, Kosta Heckemeyer; and five siblings, Ruth Rosebrough, Cape Girardeau, MO, Gilbert (Jeannie) Bisges, Wardsville, MO, Berniece Bisges, Jefferson City, MO, Dennis Bisges, Jefferson City, MO and Gene (Roseanne) Bisges, Jefferson City, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Louis Nelen and the Rev. Joshua Duncan concelebrating.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
She was born November 24, 1947, in Osage Bend, MO, the daughter of the late Joseph Henry Bisges and Ludvina Alma (Bode) Bisges.
Phyllis attended school in Osage Bend and Fatima High School, graduating at the age of 16. Following her high school years, she graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and several years later from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a master’s degree in the same field.
Phyllis was the first Business Education teacher at Blair Oaks High School in Wardsville, MO. She next taught school at John Marshall High School while her husband served in the Air Force, and finally at Nichols Career Center and Lincoln University.
Later, Phyllis worked at the State of Missouri Department of Revenue in multiple training roles, which eventually led her to start a software training company called “Training First” in Jefferson City. Her office was located on Missouri Boulevard and her largest customers were ABB, Central Bank and IBM. While working with IBM she traveled to 20+ states to deliver custom training to large, regional groups of their employees. Phyllis ended her career with training and technology roles for the Missouri State Teachers Retirement System and the Department of Economic Development in Jefferson City.
Phyllis was united in marriage on August 12, 1967, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Osage Bend, MO to John Heckemeyer, who survives at their home in Jefferson City.
Following John’s Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in 1972, they joined the Cathedral of St. Joseph, where Phyllis volunteered her time in fundraising efforts such as the Christmas Bazaar and cooked for Monsignor Kurwicki during her retirement. She was active in Marriage Encounter where she helped couples grow in their commitment to each other and improve their marriages while traveling to several national convention sites. In later years she also volunteered for the Red Cross.
Phyllis' life was centered around being a faithful servant of God, a devoted wife, a loving mom and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Phyllis had a passion for her many interests and hobbies including: * Cooking - She was an avid collector of recipes and never afraid to test her skills on new dishes. * Dancing - She and her husband could often be seen on the dance floor at the Capitol Ritz and Steppin’ Out. * Golf - She took the game up later in life, picking it up quickly. * Piano - She learned to play well, eventually acquiring a grand piano, which was one of her prized possessions. * Tennis - She played at the Jefferson City Parks & Recreation courts and the YMCA in a doubles league with fellow members. * Travel - in addition to frequent journeys to California and Colorado to visit family, she planned a unique trip to Hawaii, a snowmobiling trek through Yellowstone National Park and her 50th wedding anniversary in Lake Tahoe.
Survivors include her husband, John Heckemeyer, Jefferson City, MO; three children, Derek (Marie) Heckemeyer, Castle Rock, CO; Kevin Heckemeyer, San Diego, CA; Jared (Uyen Cao) Heckemeyer, Irvine, CA; five grandchildren, Erika Heckemeyer, Cole Cao, Ethan Heckemeyer, Taylor Heckemeyer, Kosta Heckemeyer; and five siblings, Ruth Rosebrough, Cape Girardeau, MO, Gilbert (Jeannie) Bisges, Wardsville, MO, Berniece Bisges, Jefferson City, MO, Dennis Bisges, Jefferson City, MO and Gene (Roseanne) Bisges, Jefferson City, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Louis Nelen and the Rev. Joshua Duncan concelebrating.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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Phyllis was a wonderful beautiful and thoughtful lady who will be greatly missed.
Forget Me Nots in memory of Phyllis Ann Heckemeyer
Phyllis made the best chocolate chip cookies. She always made everyone around her feel loved and cared for. Kate enjoyed the time she got to spend with John, Phyllis, and Taylor last summer.
My heart is sooo sad /broken right now. Phyllis was a dear friend of mine. She made my transition to Missouri from New England like being home. Bill and I have great memories with Phyllis and John. I loved our many walks and talks together at the Y. To my surprise I ran into Phyllis last Friday as I was leaving the Y. It was so great to see her. We talked and caught up on her recent trip to CA and the great time she had with the family. We planned to walk together this week. Those plans will not happen, but Phyllis will always be in my heart and at my side every time I visit the Y. Love and miss you dearly. Till we meet again my friend . ߙϢ٥️ߘ˜ Susan
The entire Heckemeyer family has lost a dear and beautiful person, inside and out. Phyllis’ gentle heart was captivating. Phyllis and John were a beautiful testament to what God intended for a loving marriage, and you shared that with us as you came to celebrate at every Heckemeyer wedding and family event. We enjoyed all the smiles, the laughter, the love, the kind words and the very precious time we spent with you. Lois Heckemeyer Otto
Derek, Marie and entire Heckemeyer family, I am so very sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers each and every day.
Derek (and all of your family), I heard from my parents about your mother. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts your way. Much love.
John, So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John and family – so sorry for the loss your family is dealing with. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Gus and Vickie Epple
I recall Phyllis from our freshman year at Lincoln U. in 1964/65. She was kind, intelligent and a lovely person. Her obituary speaks for itself in describing an extraordinary life of accomplishment and service to her family and community. My sympathy to the Heckemeyer and Bisges families. May she rest in peace. Alan Wright, Pawleys Island, SC.
Condolence to the Family. Were friends with Gilbert during our youth. moved to Chicago in about 1960.
John, Derek, Kevin and Jared, it is with sad hearts that we realize your sorrow and loss. We pray each day for you and your families. Our prayers are ongoing, hopefully to help sustain you during this very sad time. We’ve shared many wonderful memories and watched our families grow up together. Always remembering Phyllis as a good friend and beautiful lady.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Heckemeyer and Bisges Family. Loretta (Hoelscher) Kleffner
To John, family and Bisges family So sorry for your loss. A very nice lady and will be missed by all.