John Loren Hegener

John Loren Hegener, age 84, died on Sunday, February 6, 22 early a.m. He was born in Detroit, Michigan & came to Sarasota in 1967. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; son, Allen Hegener (Paige) & daughter, Laurie Strickland (Alex Telles) & four grandchildren: Winston Hegener, Olivia Stephens, Nicholas “Nico” Telles & Hannah York. He had three great grandchildren: Christian John & Kinley Hegener & Luke Stephens.

John was a teacher at Wilkinson Elementary in Sarasota for 31 years. He also taught in Redford, Michigan for 8 years. John loved teaching math, science, chess & checkers. He & Joanne were with New Tribes Mission for 1 year in the Philippines & they taught the children of the missionaries at a school there. John retired after having a total of 40 years in the school system.

He was a member of the state & local chapter of the Sarasota Retired Educators, having served on their scholarship committee for many years. He was a member of the Saramana (SAR) Sons of the American Revolution and the local Audubon club. He was also a member of the Manasota Theatre Organ Society Inc., in Sarasota held at Grace Baptist Church. He was a Grace member for 30 years. John played the calliope at the Sailor Circus for 16 years. He also sang with the Chorus of the Keys a/k/a Barbershop Music for 37 years. He was a member of Covenant Life Presbyterian Church.

John resided with his wife at Sunnyside Christian Retirement Community & was an avid gardener, chorus member & played the tone chimes. He also played the piano at the Sunnyside nursing home. He and Joanne enjoyed 21 cruises, trips to different countries around the world, camping, canoeing & gardening. John was a Transportation Director for many summers at the famous Camp Chimney Rock in North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, PO Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064 or Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Sunnyside Chapel, 5201 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34232.