Bernita Caroline (Goos) Heidzig, one of 10 children of William August and Caroline F. (Beckmann) Goos, was born June 9, 1928 in Elk Creek, Nebraska. She attended rural school until she was needed to help with things at home.
On April 13, 1947 Bea, as she was affectionately known, was married to James Leland Hoover at St. Paul (Stutheit) Church south of Johnson, Nebraska. They were blessed with two sons, Richard and Robert. The couple later divorced. On September 22, 1954 she was united in marriage to Wilbur Henry Heidzig at her grandmother’s home in Auburn, Nebraska. Wilbur’s two sons, Gailen and Robert, became a part of Bea’s family at that time.
Bea’s first job was as a nurse for Dr. Tushla in Auburn. She next worked at the sewing factory in Auburn for almost 20 years. When she and Wilbur purchased a farm Bea helped with the farm work. Bea next worked at a downtown bar in Auburn before opening Bea’s Tavern in south Auburn in the 1970’s, which she operated for close to 20 years. Even after she sold the bar, she enjoyed spending time there with old and new customers. She was queen of the shuffleboard table, and was seldom defeated at the game.
Bea was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, and also belonged to the Auburn Eagles Club and VFW Auxiliary. She was a faithful sponsor of a bowling team in Auburn. In her spare time Bea enjoyed crocheting or just hanging out at home with Roscoe, her dog.
Bea passed away at her home in Auburn on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at the age of 87 years, 7 months, and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur, brothers Arthur, Theodore, Wilbert, Herbert, Frederich, Walter, and sisters Josephine Schmiegelow and Olga Hantak.
Bea is survived by her sons Richard Hoover of Lincoln; Robert and wife Cindy Hoover of Auburn; grandchildren Chad and wife Angie Hoover; Dana Hoover and friend Matt Tillman; great-grandchildren Mackenzi, Breslynn, Avery, Dylan, and Kole; sister Adeline Kuhlmann of McCook; many other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service will be Saturday, February 6, 1:00 p.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial of ashes will be at a later date at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation, no viewing, will be at the funeral home Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.
Memorials are suggested to family choice.
Livestream viewing of memorial service available at : https://livestream.com/accounts/13846112/events/4788585