Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Beloved wife of the late Thomas E. Hiegel; loving mother of Tom (Debbie) Hiegel, Cathy (the late Richard) Fuller, Carol (Jim) Huber, Joe (Joyce) Hiegel; dear grandmother of Andy (Kristin), Mark, Emily, Alli (Steve), Angie (Chris), TJ (Sarah), Katie, Matt (Mel), Jack and Jessie; dear great-grandmother of Callahan, Mack, Kohen, Kannen, and James; dear step-grandmother of Shannon Fuller (Brian Nissim), loving sister of Kay (the late Ron) Schwartz, Wally (Marcie) Hanewinkel, Joan (the late Richard) Schwartz, Jerry Hanewinkel, and her brothers and sisters and their spouses who passed before her: Bill (Rose) Hanewinkel, Joe (Dot) Hanewinkel, Mary (Leroy) Selz, Tom (Shirley, Carol) Hanewinkel, Flo (Dan) Hogan, Jack (Lorraine) Hanewinkel, Hank (Barbara) Hanewinkel, Dot (Don) Marty, Rita Hanewinkel, Dave (Sharon) Hanewinkel; dear aunt of 96, cousin and friend of many.
From an early age, Helen was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals as she sat on her father’s knee and listened to games on the radio. Helen and Tom were St. Louis Blues supporters from the beginning as season ticket holders at the Arena/Checkerdome on Oakland and through all the ups and downs of every season. Dinner time at the Hiegel household often devolved into fits of giggles as Helen’s quick wit entertained with her corny jokes. Jigsaw puzzles and game shows filled her time later in life and she always had time for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
SERVICES: will begin for Helen on Monday, February 16 at 9:45 am at KUTIS FUNERAL HOME AFFTON, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 and process to Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, 6741 Rockhill Rd., Affton, MO 63123. Private interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Norbert Catholic Church appreciated. VISITATION: Sunday, February 15 from 2:00 – 7:00 pm.
I am so proud and happy to have been Aunt Helen’s and Uncle Tom’s god son. They made the world a better place.
I, too, am a god child of Aunt Helen and Uncle Tom.
I have held on to many of the gifts they gave me when I was a child as well as the dress Helen wore as a bridesmaid in my parent’s (Joan and Rich) wedding.
The memories I associate with these things have always given me a quiet happiness.
Thank you, Aunt Helen, for being a special part of my childhood.
May peace and joy extend to all of your friends and family.
Helen was my Godmother, too, and while I only saw her a few times in my life, she always sent me birthday, Christmas cards and love. She was my dear mother’s “bestie” and Mom always spoke about Helen and their adventures when young. God’s rest, Helen. Love, Bonita “Hanewinkel” Hart.
Aunt Helen was one of the sweetest people that God put on this earth. She always knew how to make a person feel special. When I remember her it will always be with that lovely smile upon her face. She is a treasure always.
Jan (Hanewinkel) Carson #24 The 2 dozenth cousin
I loved my Aunt Helen. My family lived behind Grandpa and Grandma Hanewinkels until I was 5 or 6. Every Sunday after church we all got together and Grandma would make a big roast dinner for lunch. Most all the Uncles and Aunts would be there and all of us cousins would play in the yard and on the big front porch, trying not to ruin our church clothes! The Hiegels were always there, and Tommy would run around with Paul and I. Eventually the family got too big, but those were the good old days. I am sure there was great joy in Heaven when Aunt Helen arrived!
I loved My Aunt Helen and Uncle Tom dearly. I will always the family gatherings that were together. I srnt Christmas cards and letters and she always return with warm memories that she had of us Selz Chrildren. We love you and all of our cousins in the Heigle family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of happiness and sorrow. Hugs and thoughts will always be with everyone. Love Carol Selz Reynolds.
You are all in my prayers. Helen was such a special person. I looked forward to visiting her on Communion Calls for St. Norbert. I especially loved seeing all of the Cardinals and Blues things around her home. She always had a smile. I will miss her. I wish I could be at her Mass but I don’t travel far anymore. God bless Helen and all of you.