Dorothy Ann (Vogt) Heidebrecht

Dorothy Ann Vogt was born in Corn, OK, on April 4, 1932, to Barney (B.W.) and Anna (Flaming) Vogt. She joined older siblings Raymond and Eleanor. Four years later, brother Leroy was born.

When Dorothy was 1 year old, the family moved from Corn to Falfurrias, TX, near the Mexican border. They joined Dorothy’s grandparents Rev. H.H. and Anna Flaming and others who had moved there from the Corn community.

When Dorothy was 14, her parents sent her back to Corn for high school at Corn Bible Academy. While there, she met a young man who caught her eye, Harry Heidebrecht. After graduation, Dorothy went to Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas where she enjoyed playing on the women’s basketball team. She graduated with her AA Degree in 1951. In the meantime, she and Harry had become engaged.

Dorothy’s parents relocated back to Corn, and despite a tornado that blew away their family home in June of 1951, Harry and Dorothy were married the next month in the Corn Mennonite Brethren Church. Harry and Dorothy then moved to Fresno, CA where Harry enrolled at Pacific Bible Institute (now Fresno Pacific University). As time went on, Dorothy put her bookkeeping skills to work at the Fresno Bible House.

Harry continued his Bible education and became the pastor of Lakeside Community Church near Hanford, CA. (Dorothy had always hoped to be a pastor’s wife like her grandmother.) Over the years, she was Harry’s dedicated partner in ministries at Lakeside, Fresno Evangelical Free Church, Fremont Evangelical Free Church, in church planting throughout northern CA, and in all aspects of CAM (Church Assistance Ministry), which Harry founded in his later years.

Harry and Dorothy had four children Ruth (1952), Nancy (1954), Rick (1958), and Frieda (1963). Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother. She and Harry were married for 56 years until Harry’s passing in 2008.

Dorothy will be remembered for all of the meals she served, gifts she made, games she played, laughter she shared, faithful daily prayers she offered, and love she showered on her family and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by Harry, her parents, siblings, and son-in-law, Jim Van Hovel. She is survived by her children Ruth (David) Hagenbach, Nancy (Chuck) Kelley, Rick (Tracy) Heidebrecht, and Frieda (Randy) Vogel. Also by her grandchildren Josh (Alia) Hagenbach, Anna (Noah) Johnson. Pete (Jenn) Kelley, Scott (Crystal) Kelley, Phil (Jenna) Kelley, Karen Kelley, Casey Heidebrecht, Corey (Jan) Heidebrecht, Codey Heidebrecht, Jake (Rosalyn) Van Hovel, Caleb (Mckenzie) Van Hovel, and Levi (Rebecca) Van Hovel, 22 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law John Heidebrecht, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walt and MaryAnn Heinrichs, her beloved Raymond and Peggy Stripling family in New Zealand, her honorary daughter Vicki Jordan in Fresno, and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial gifts can be made online or by check to

Church Assistance Ministry (CAM)

churchassistanceministry.org

or

Bridge Builders International (BBI)

bridgebuildersint.com

All are welcome to attend these memorial events:

Friday, January 24

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA

Viewing 11:30am - 1:00pm

Graveside Service 1:30pm

Saturday, January 25

Bridge Church, Fresno, CA

Celebration of Life 11:00am

Reception following