Jeanette M. Heger

December 2, 1934 - December 8, 2021

Mrs. Jeanette Marie Heger, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 08, 2021, at Poppen House after a seven-year fight with lung cancer. A devoted wife, mother, and Grandmother, Jeanette was born December 2, 1934 in Cabool, MO to Clarence Adrian and Julia Marie (Frossard) Pierce. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1953 and worked as an operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone before meeting the love of her life, Bernard Anthony Heger. They married on June 15, 1957, and after 47 years of marriage together he preceded her in death on May 13, 2005. They started a family in July 1958 with the birth of their first son, Mark, and he was joined in March 1961 by a brother, Stephen. The family moved to Muskegon in 1970 and Jeanette decided that her time as a stay-at-home mom had lasted long enough. She went to work for American Grease Stick in 1972 and went on to a 28-year career with the company before retiring as Manager of Customer Service at the end of 2000. Jeanette enjoyed spending time with family, reading, traveling and trips to the casino with dear friends Rose Marie Pospisil, Mary Ann Seymour, and Judy Nauta. She also enjoyed sharing all the latest news of Muskegon with her good friends at Finishing Touch Salon. She was a member of the Viking Linne Lodge 57. She is survived by her two sons: Mark (Cheri) Heger of Norton Shores, and Stephen (Julie) Heger of Cincinnati; five grandchildren Kaleigh (Nathan Lara) Heger of Muskegon, Chris (Kaitlyn) Garzelloni of Norton Shores, David (Jamianne) Garzelloni of Fruitport, Josh Weinheimer of Cincinnati, and Tiffany (Ty) Brewer of Middletown, Ohio; one great-grandchild: Alden James Garzelloni; sister-in-law, Mary Pierce; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Bernie; her parents and in-laws; and a brother, Dwight Pierce. The family would like to express their gratitude for the outstanding care she received from the staffs of Poppen House Hospice, Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Dr. Herbert Miller and his Physician’s Assistants Earl and Sarah. In respect for her wishes, no visitation or services will be held in Muskegon. A private family graveside service will be held next spring for Jeanette and Bernie “on a nice warm sunny day” at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Joplin, MO. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.