Alice J. "Jane" Hehmeyer

Alice J. "Jane" Hehmeyer, 90, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Ft. Madison, Iowa, died Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Windsor Nursing & Rehab Center in Cedar Falls. She was born December 26, 1921 in Hannibal, Missouri, the daughter of Elsworth Cattle and Alma Johnson. Jane was raised by her grandmother, Daisy Cattle, and her aunt, Melvenah Davis. Jane married Paul Richard Hehmeyer on July 11, 1942 in Hannibal. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2009. Jane graduated from high school in Hannibal, and was a music major at Hannibal-La Grange College and Kirksville College. She taught school for several years and was an organist for many years, playing for local churches in Hannibal and at a Ft. Madison funeral home. Later in life, Jane returned to college and received nurses training in Burlington, Iowa. She worked for a number of years as a charge nurse in Ft. Madison. Having a daughter who is developmentally disabled sparked Jane and her husband's interest in providing opportunities for the handicapped. Jane was instrumental in starting the first school for handicapped children in Iowa. Survivors include three daughters, Venah Dae Hehmeyer and Marcia DeVeirman, both of Rockford, Illinois, and Peggy Barr of Cedar Falls; twin sons, Dick (Heidi) Hehmeyer of Hannibal and Don Hehmeyer of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Jane was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Memorial services will be at a later date at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, Cedar Falls. A memorial fund will be established.