Manuela Ingrid Hegemann

Manuela was born September 12, 1959, to Peter and Elizabeth Verholen in Heppenheim, Germany. Manuela was raised in a multi-generational home with her parents, grandparents, and siblings Peter and Gerald. She attended school in Heppenheim, Germany. After high school she pursued education to become a nurse.

In 1978, Manuela migrated to the United States and settled in Denver, Colorado. In December 1980, she met her life partner, Bruce. Although they were initially just roommates, in a short amount of time they developed an attraction that turned into a life together. They were married on June 14, 1985. Although Bruce and Manuela never had children of their own, they did have a number of foster children over the years.

Manuela had a personality that lit up a room as soon as she walked in. She had the ability to see the good in everyone she met. She spent a life in service to others. Her early career was spent caring for children. She had a home day care helping to raise and nurture many children over the years. The last 12 years of her working career, she cared for adults suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Manuela enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She loved playing any game, especially any game of cards.

Manuela is survived by her husband, Bruce, of Colorado Springs; her mother, Elizabeth, and brothers, Peter and Gerald, of Heppenheim, Germany. Her nieces and nephews, Anja, Jerome, Marlin, Merlin, and Ryan; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Wayne Molacek. Manuela was preceded in death by her father, Peter; step-father, Franz; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marlene and Delvin Hegemann.

Service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Saint John’s Nepomucene Church in Howells, Nebraska.