Iona M. Hegel

Iona M. Hegel, beloved mother, grandmother, and community member, passed away on September 24, 2025, at Baptist Health in Bismarck, North Dakota.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND with Rev. Mark Narum officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service.

Iona was born on January 8, 1937, in Morton County, the only daughter of Joseph and Myrtle Hoovestol, surrounded by the love of her three older brothers. Iona's early life was filled with cherished memories, many of which she shared with her family. She often recounted stories of her childhood, including amusing antics involving her brothers. One such tale unfolded when they disassembled her doll carriage, prompting Iona to loosen the bolts on their motorcycle sidecar, leading to an unforgettable ride. She also humorously recalled a laundry day when she discovered one brother’s paycheck in his pocket, declaring that she would keep it. At the tender age of nine, she dreamt of marrying a boy named Jerry, a prophecy that would come to fruition.

Iona’s educational journey began at Almont Public School, followed by attendance at Dickinson State Teachers College, where she nurtured her passion for teaching.

Iona's marriage on November 21, 1956, to Jerome “Jerry” Hegel marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with cherished memories. Together, they raised a family that would continue to carry forward her legacy.

Her professional career was diverse, taking her from her time at Sears and Roebuck & Co., to being a cherished piano teacher and later serving as an administrative assistant in the Secretary of State office. Iona’s contributions were felt by many, and she took pride in her work while always finding joy in her crafts.

A talented pianist, Iona also embraced creativity through writing, cross-stitch, sewing, and enjoyed the outdoors through camping and traveling. She found great happiness in dancing and often shared stories of her childhood, particularly her adventures with her brothers, which brought smiles and warmth to those fortunate enough to hear them.

Among her proudest accomplishments was the completion of her book, “MY STORY,” a project that she dedicated herself to over several years. With the assistance of her family, she meticulously compiled photos, writings, and her own documents into a 242-page testament to her life, preserving memories and the essence of who she was for future generations.

Iona is survived by her devoted sons and daughters-in-law: Dwight and Kimberly; DuWayne and Pamela; Darren and Shelly; as well as her cherished grandchildren, including Melissa and Chuck Warren, Chad and Jessica Hegel, Erica Imsande, Joshua and Alison Hegel, Eric and Sonya Hegel, Christopher and Lindsey Hegel, Myles Flying Horse, Vedrana Hodzic, Nicole Gipp, and TaraLynn Maslowski. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Josiah Warren, Kylee Hegel, Jasmine Warren, Trysten Hegel, Micah Hegel, and Lilly Hegel. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Delbert Hegel, sisters-in-law Etheleen Hoovestol and Coralyn Hoovestol, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who held her dear.

Iona was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hegel; her parents, Joseph and Myrtle Hoovestol; her brothers, Clyde, Glenn, and Burton Hoovestol; her grandson Chane T. Hegel; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews, whose memories she cherished throughout her life.

Her faith played an important role in her life as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she nurtured her spiritual growth and developed lasting connections within her community.

A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Iona leaves behind a legacy woven from the fabric of her life’s passions, career, and family.