Nancy Hiemstra

HIEMSTRA, NANCY JANE

Nancy Jane Hiemstra, born Nancy Jane Cross on December 3rd, 1938 passed away on November 8th, 2013. Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend is preceded in death by her mother and father, Evelyn and Arnold Kramer, and her brother, Thomas Cross. She is survived by her sister, Karen Mattmiller, her children, Scott Hiemstra, Brad (Colleen) Hiemstra, and Jayma (Eric) Teutsch, and her grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, and Darren Hiemstra and Margaret and Alexander Teutsch. Also surviving are her many nieces and nephews, particularly her beloved niece Robin (Tim) Pool and family, and Neighbor Dave. A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Nancy was the police matron and dispatcher for the Vicksburg Police Department for 27 years. Family was of the utmost importance to Nancy. As a dedicated mother and grandmother, she attended any and all school and sporting events, and thought nothing of huddling under her sunflower umbrella in a downpour to see them participate. Nancy was a devoted member of the Vicksburg High School Class of 1957, as well as The Breakfast Bunch who met at Kap’s Kitchen for breakfast nearly every day. In her golden years, Nancy was happiest puttering around her flowerbeds and watching her birds at the feeders outside her living room window. Her vendetta against squirrels was well known, as were her abilities as a catch-and-rehome squirrel trapper. Nancy was also an enthusiastic road-tripper. She and Karen traveled many miles together and thought of themselves as Thelma and Louise. It’s a miracle they were never arrested. Her favorite destination was Steamboat Springs, Colorado which she visited yearly with Jayma, Eric, Maggie, and Alex. She spent her time there road-farming (i.e. driving around to see what there was to see), and looking for cowboys. Nancy was a lover of country music, Elvis, and pink flamingos, as well as a German Shorthair enthusiast. Her cheerful disposition and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A visitation will be held at the Vicksburg Methodist Church on Thursday, November 14th, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Vicksburg High School band or Rose Arbor Hospice.