Dennis Walton Hegman

Dennis (Denny) Hegman passed away February 20, 2018 at the age of 96. He was a residence of Manteca Care and Rehabilitation Center in Manteca, California for almost 10 years after suffering a stroke in 2008.

Dennis was born on December 5, 1921 in Fargo North Dakota. His parents were Frank (Al) Hegman and Minnie Hegman.  Dennis was preceded in death by his brother Wayne during WWII, his son Donald in February 2009 and wife Margaret of 62 years in May 2009. 

He is Survived by his sister Mavis Thurber, daughter Sandra Kinyon (Kirk Kinyon), daughter-in-law Kimberly Hegman (Pete Calabrese) grandsons, Todd (Jen) and Timothy McDonald (Laura), Cory (Jenni) and Kelly (Mindy) Hegman and Donovan (Amanda) and Kenny ( Sharon) Kinyon along with eight great-grandchildren. 

He moved to California when he was 15 from Fargo North Dakota.  He went to Fremont High School. He was drafted into the Army where he served as an MP and Staff Sargent in the Philippines. He received a Philippine Liberation Ribbon medal with two Bronze Stars and a World War II Victory Medal TWX WD 45.  Dennis was honored to have driven General MacArthur around the base.

He met his wife Margaret, who was a friend of his sister, Mavis. Their first date was on Mavis’ 21st birthday. They were married on August 31, 1947. 

Dennis would always say he will never retired. His mind was very active until the end. He worked with the youth group at the Neighbor Hood Church in Oakland and Castro Valley.  He created a senior group at the Bayfair Mall in San Leandro. While living at Manteca Care and Rehabilitation Care Facility he was always thinking of ways to improve the facility.  He even wrote a letter to President Obama on how he could improve the Nation’s economy.

He started a bible study at Manteca Care that met every Friday and he loved playing bingo. He would not keep his prizes, instead he would hand them out to the residents and staff.  He loved getting coffee for those who could not get to the dining room, and he would also pull people around with his rascal scooter to the lunch room.

A memorial service for Dennis Hegman will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018, 10:00 am at Tracy Public Cemetery. 

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