Jean (Hase) Heppner passed away at Mayo Luther Hospital, under comfort care, on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 90.
Rhea was born March 28, 1933, to loving parents, Hartzel and Bernice (Minder) Hase in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. She raised her children on a farm outside of Spring Valley, Wisconsin for 16 years.
After her marriage ended, she decided she wanted to stay home with her five children. They moved to Chippewa Falls where she worked at F&F Shoe Factory, Presto, and then started “Red Barn Antiques,” which she started in a two-car garage, then moved to the upstairs of a small barn. Mom was quoted saying “I knew nothing. I was a farm girl and thought I’d never make it.” Rhea’s future husband, Robert ‘Bob’ Heppner was a major part of the business. They eventually built a new home on property just up the street so they could build a large pole barn and use the existing house to furnish it all with antiques. They also brought in three log homes to furnish as part of the business. They offered winter sleigh rides through their wood, and often met Santa in his Santa House along the way. It was amazing! Fun was had by all. Rhea had her eye on a new piece of land closer to her hometown in Maiden Rock, on the corner of Highway 29 and Highway 63… “Red Barn Antique Mall.” She opened that store in 1983 and sold it in 2003 and retired.
Rhea was an exceptional mother who always thought of her kids first. She married young and dedicated her life to her most important contribution…her children. Mom loved her flowers and plants, her neighbors and “lunch group ladies” on Wednesdays. Her legacy lives on through the family she leaves behind.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Bob; parents Hartzel and Bernice Hase; her brother Warren Hase; and her nephew Bobby Bohn.
She is survived by her children: Brian (Peggy) White; Brenda (Joe) Stangl; Brad (Giselle) White; Bridget (Marv) Pehlke; Bernie (Jay) Jaquish; Debbie (Victor) Offutt; and Bruce Heppner; 11 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; brother Fredrick (Marylou) Hase; fur baby Rudy; other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers are Ryan Stangl, Seth Pehlke, Jeff White, Tyson Jaquish, Jared Jaquish, and Matt Fesenmaier.
Visitation was from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A private family burial will be in Maiden Rock Cemetery.
We want to thank the nurses, doctors, CNAs, and all who took such special, loving care of our dear mother.
Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley is handling arrangements.
