Alice M. Hegemier, 87, of New Bremen, died on June 18, 2021 at Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen.

She was born on August 31, 1933 in Orrville, Ohio to Raymond and Ruth (Robert) Schrock. She was a graduate of Smithville High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. In 1955, she graduated from Heidelberg College where she was elected to "Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities" and Pi Kappa Delta, Honorary Forensic. She received her Master's Degree in Education from Wright State University where she was elected to Kappa Delta Pi and honorary education society. She also did post graduate work at the University of Dayton.

On April 21,1957, she married Duane F. Hegemier (deceased). They experienced over 61 years of wonderful marriage together. Surviving are two sons, Ron (Brigid) Hegemier of New Bremen and Brad (Nancy) Hegemier of Celina. Grandsons, Aaron (Brittany) Hegemier of New Bremen and Zachary (Meaghan) Hegemier of Kettering also survive. One sister, Janet Smucker survives in West Liberty and a brother in law Roger Hegemier (Marilyn) survive in Newark, Ohio. One sister-in-law Mary (Tom) Ellinger of Newark also survive. She had 3 step grandchildren, Rich Oliver, Rob Oliver and Rochelle Oliver, as well as 1 step great grandchild Palmer Oliver.

Ron's twin brother, Rodney died as an infant. Also proceeding was daughter-in-law Joan (Brad) Hegemier.

Her career began by serving as Director of Christian Education at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen. Later she served as statistician and secretary in the office at New Bremen school. Beginning in 1969, she became an elementary teacher at the Osgood School, which was part of the Marion Local School District. She also served Marion Local as assistant elementary principal, K-12 curriculum coordinator, federal programs coordinator and guidance counselor. While serving the Marion Local School District, she was elected to "Who's Who in American Education."

She was a member of the St Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen where she belonged to "The Capsule," having served as president for that group. She served as president of the Miami-Erie District Women's Organization of the United Church of Christ, served on the stewardship board and the women's service group of the church.

Purple was her favorite color and much of their home was decorated in shades of lavender, magenta and purple. She shared Duane's interest in travel. In addition to sightseeing, they frequently attended polka festivals throughout the United States. Together they visited 49 of the 50 states, many European countries as well as numerous Caribbean Islands.

Tole painting, preparing books for Aaron and Zach, all styles of dancing, tennis, hiking, bridge and other card games and reading were other interests of hers. Spending time with her family and friends were the highlights of her life.

The family is grateful to the staff of Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen and Grand Lake Hospice who lovingly cared for Alice during her stay at Elmwood.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen with Becky Erb-Strang officiating. Private family inurnment will be take place in the German Protestant Cemetery.

Friends may call from 12:00 noon until the time of the services at the church on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alice M. Hegemier Scholarship Fund at St. Paul United Church of Christ for students enrolled in Christian vocational programs, the Alice M. Hegemier Scholarship Fund at Marion Local School District for students enrolled in programs designed for educators or the New Bremen Emergency Squad.