YANKTON, S.D. — Johanna Elizabeth Hoebelheinrich, 97, Yankton, S.D., formerly of Fordyce, died June 17, 2023, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial was June 24 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Menominee, with Rev. James Keiter officiating. It was also live streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/ johanna-hoebelheinrich. Burial was in the parish cemetery, Menominee. Visitation was Friday at the Opsahl Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, with a Wake service Friday evening. Visitation resumed one hour prior to the service at the church. Our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Johanna had a tremendous devotion to the rosary. Her life epitomized the joys and trials of motherhood. She had a tremendous heart and endured a great deal of suffering during her life.

She was a home caregiver for those who needed her during their illness and disability – first for her mother; later, her husband, Albin; and finally, a remarkable 40 years for her youngest daughter, Kathy. During these times, there were no homemaking short cuts. She baked bread, cooked, gardened, canned, and made many crocheted blankets. Large unending trays of homemade sweets, and always buns, rolls, and doughnuts were a staple during holidays and family gatherings. Anyone employed within the home to help with Kathy’s personal care, never left without knowing how to bake a pie or cut a fresh cantaloupe.

Johanna was the second of eight children born to Rudolf and Maria (Pieper) Wesseln. The family immigrated from Germany Aug. 11, 1925. Johanna was born in Crofton, just a few months later, April 12, 1926.

Johanna graduated from Mount Marty High School and then attended Wayne State College to obtain her teacher’s certificate to teach in Cedar County. Johanna taught for five years before she married Albin Hoebelheinrich Aug. 23, 1949, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Menominee.

Johanna lived her entire life in rural Cedar County, near Fordyce. She moved to Avera Sister James Care Center in 2019.

Johanna is survived by her sons, Gary (Kathy) Hoebelheinrich, Crofton; Larry Hoebelheinrich and Dennis (Lori) Hoebelheinrich, both of Fordyce; her daughters, Jean (Reid) Holkesvik, Aberdeen, S.D.; Karen (Terrence) Flynn, Kearney; Janice (Doug) Goltz, Falls City; her brother, Henry Wesseln, Aneheim, Calif.; her sister, Elsie Wiebelhaus, Sioux Falls, S.D.; 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albin; daughter, Kathy; brothers, Rudy, Ray and Tony Wesseln; and sisters, MaryAnn Sudbeck and Rosie Tyler.