Florence Heermann

Funeral services for Florence Heermann were held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Marcus Ring officiating. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, vocalist, accompanied by Melanie Hannahs, organist. Registration and flower attendants were Peggy Heermann, Patty Heermann, and Jennifer Fanger. Casket bearers were Peggy Heermann, Jennifer Fanger, Joe Fanger, Joe Fanger Jr., and Jordyn Fanger. Honorary casket bearers were Clyde Lutz, Fran Pochop, Harold “Genie” and Patsy Burkinshaw, Don Frank, Barb Fenenga, Connie Lutz, and the staff at Silver Threads of Gregory and Avantara of Pierre.

Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smth Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Florence Evonne (Burkinshaw) Heermann was born November 14, 1927, in Boyd County, NE, to Ivan and AnnaBell (Sherwood) Burkinshaw. Evonne was raised on the family farm in Keya Paha County, NE, with her siblings Delores, Gerald, LouAnn, and Harold. When she was young, Evonne spent her time outside with her dad working. She graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1945.

Evonne married Bernard Heermann on September 21, 1946, at her parents’ ranch near Brocksburg, NE. They began their life together teaching school near Paxton, SD. Soon they joined Bernie’s father, farming near Hartford, SD. In 1953, Bernie and Evonne moved to Sioux Falls where Bernie and his brother operated a service station. Bernie began his banking career in 1955. He was transferred to Gregory in 1964, where Bernie and Evonne made their home. Bernie retired from the bank in 1985 and they enjoyed spending a few winters in Phoenix, AZ.

Randy was born in 1949 and Dewey followed in 1951. When Randy started school in Brookings, Evonne began working at Frank Rexall Drug in Gregory. She worked there a few years. Evonne loved to sing in the church choir and enjoyed golfing and bowling with Bernie. She played cards and hosted card parties at her home. She also enjoyed listening to Polka music and watching football on television.

Evonne was an active member of the LWML and St. John Lutheran Church. She was a founding member of Tops in Gregory and only stopped attending meetings when she couldn’t anymore.

Evonne is survived by one son Duane and his wife Meredith of Pierre, SD; three granddaughters: Jennifer (Joe Fanger), Patricia, and Peggy Sue; two great-grandchildren; Randy’s wife Marilyn; brother Harold (Genie) and his wife Patsy; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Evonne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bernie; son Randy; grandsons Schaen and Ryan; granddaughter Becky; and siblings Delores, Gerald, and LouAnn.

Memorials may be directed to: Countryside Hospice, 415 S Crow St., Pierre, SD 57501.