In Loving Memory
Maureen L. Hemann
September 14, 1935 - January 7, 2024

Maureen's service will be live streamed on the Martin Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.

VISITATION
Friday, January 12, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, January 12, 2024
11:00 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Paul Kelly

Maureen Louise (Millea) Hemann, born on September 14, 1935, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, peacefully passed away on January 7, 2024, at Spencer Hospital, concluding a remarkable 88-year journey of love, laughter, and unwavering faith.

Maureen grew up in Emmetsburg's "Goat Alley" and her childhood was filled with the warmth of a large and loving Irish family, being one of eleven children, including three sets of twins. She shared a special bond with her twin sister, Madeline Lynch, who recently passed on December 11, 2023. After graduating from Emmetsburg Catholic High School, Maureen attended Emmetsburg Junior College and was certified as an Elementary Teacher and then attended Iowa State Teachers College.

In August 1959, Maureen married Enfred "Moose" Ohrtman, and they lived on a farm near Cresco, Iowa. They had two children, John and JoAnn. On March 12, 1964, Moose died of lung cancer at the age of 35.  Maureen made plans to teach in Emmetsburg and while driving to Emmetsburg, she had a flat tire. A nice farmer offered to help her change her tire. And on August 24, 1965, she married that farmer, Bob Hemann, a widowed father of five children, Mark, Dennis, Lynda, Sharon, and Joyce. Terry, the 8th child to join the family, was born in September 1966.

Life on the farm near Osage, Iowa, was marked by Maureen's dedication to family. She balanced the responsibilities of teaching at Sacred Heart School, homemaking, and raising their blended family. She was an excellent cook and always had a hot meal on the table. House cleaning and laundry were Saturday morning chores and there were no cartoons allowed until the house was spotless. And every day, as soon as the eight kids got off the bus, she had goodies baked, right out of the oven. Summertime included activities like caring for the garden and daily trips to Lake Hendricks followed by a stop at the Tardy Turtle for ice cream. Endless activities like sewing, playing piano, puzzles, games and crafts kept everyone busy!

In 1977, they moved to Emmetsburg, where Bob worked in construction, and Maureen worked at Emmetsburg Care Center and later at Kathleen's. Maureen loved to read, especially Mother Angelica books and she created beautiful quilts.  They both enjoyed attending sporting events, cheering on their children and grandchildren.

Her infectious sense of humor, coupled with a steadfast belief in facing life's challenges head-on, brought comfort to family and friends, earning her a special place in their hearts. Maureen, a faithful Catholic, found solace in prayer, praying for her children and grandchildren daily.

Maureen is preceded in death by her parents, Hilary and Lillian Millea; her husbands, Enfred Ohrtman and Bob Hemann; seven sisters, Veronica Ohrtman, Eileen Millea, Jean Millea, Ruth Avila, Catherine Mettler, Jeanette Smith, and Madeline Lynch; two brothers, Jim Millea and Tom Millea; and an infant granddaughter, Hillary Hemann.

She is survived by her brother, Bob Millea, her eight children, Mark (Cheryl) Hemann of Osage, Iowa, Denny (Jean) Hemann of Osage, Iowa, Lynda (Dale) Hoffman of Saint Ansgar, Iowa, Sharon  (Rodney) Anderson of Osage, Iowa, Joyce (Roland) Hamerlinck of Emmetsburg, Iowa, John (Espie) Hemann of Emmetsburg, Iowa, JoAnn Hemann of Centennial, Colorado, and Terry (Tessa) Hemann of Spencer, Iowa; 20 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Maureen's presence will be deeply missed by family and friends alike, but her memory will forever be cherished as a source of inspiration, love, and enduring laughter.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home