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Anita Marie Hoebelheinrich

Oct. 11, 1930 - Feb. 23, 2021

Date of Service: Mar. 5, 2021

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RUPERT – Anita Marie Hoebelheinrich, a 90-year-old resident of Rupert, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family and her beloved Scottie, C.J.

She was born October 11, 1930, at home in Constance, Nebraska, to parents, Irma Marie (Willenbring) Schieffer and Joe Wendell Schieffer. She was the oldest of 11 siblings all of whom were raised on a farm in Crofton, Nebraska. Growing up in Nebraska at that time meant milking cows, growing corn and attending a one-room school house on a horse-pulled sled to school in the winter. After high school, Anita lived with her grandparents and studied to be a school teacher. She was teaching when she met Martin L. Hoebelheinrich from Fordyce, Nebraska. They married on June 3, 1952.

Anita and Martin started their family in Nebraska with the birth of Randy and Nancy, and took the opportunity to move to Idaho where Martin (a United States Army veteran) drew a homestead of a quarter section of the Idaho desert north of Rupert. Anita was actively involved in the clearing of sagebrush, picking rocks, raising cattle and building out the farm over the years as three more children arrived: Kristi, Terry and Julie. She was a leader in 4-H activities for her children and others on the Northside. She and Martin often joined and hosted pinochle parties with fellow Homesteaders.

In 1967-68, they grew potatoes on a leased half section of desert entry land 30 miles west of the homestead near Owinza. In 1969, they rented a 480-acre farm south of Burley. In both cases they continued to farm the original homestead. In 1970, Anita and Martin sold the Minidoka County farm and moved to a farm south of Burley. The family remained active in Minidoka County while growing potatoes, beans and grain on the Burley farm. After Martin became too seriously ill to farm, Anita took care of Martin at home until shortly before he died in 1981. Anita subsequently managed the farm until 1989 when she sold it and moved to Rupert.

Anita went back to teaching when her youngest daughter started kindergarten and worked at St. Nicholas School in Rupert, first as a 2nd grade teacher, then as a 4th grade teacher. Known by her students as “Mrs. H,” Anita’s passion was teaching children and adults how to read and write. She was beloved for teaching Idaho history which often included making a kid-sized teepee. Many of her students will remember the annual class trip to Boise for a visit to the Idaho Historical Museum, the Idaho Art Museum, the State Capital, a picnic at Ann Morrison Park and then a dinner break at the Oxbow Inn in Bliss complete with a hamburger and milkshake. It was the highlight of 4th grade!

Anita also taught in the public school system for 16 years – primarily at Paul Elementary and Big Valley Elementary Schools. She went back to Idaho State University to earn her bachelor’s degree at age 55, and earned her master’s degree at age 60 from Boise State University. She retired in 2001 but continued tutoring children in math and reading both at St. Nicholas and privately until 2019. The year she “retired” from tutoring, she was working with 22 children either at her home or at St. Nicholas. She loved to teach and worked to instill in her students a sense of self-discipline, responsibility, pride and respect in themselves and in their fellow students.

Anita was also very involved with the St. Nicholas parish through the Altar Society, the Catholic Women Group, the Parish Council, and various fund-raising events for the church over the years. She was a founding member of the St. Nicholas Catholic School Endowment serving on the executive committee throughout its history, only resigning in December of 2020. She believed in giving to others and supporting women’s professional growth; so, she was very active in Beginning Experience (a peer-led grief resolution organization for separated, divorced and widowed persons and children of those losses), Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.), which awards scholarships, grants, and loans to women working towards advancing their education, and the local chapter of Business and Professional Women (BPW) serving as Idaho president in 1976. Some of her other activities included supporting local food banks, volunteering at the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce Information Center, and driving patients living with cancer to their chemotherapy treatments in Twin Falls.

Anita was an avid gardener and grower of flowers. She was known for her apple butter (especially by her grandchildren!) and her pies, especially her lemon meringue and apple pie. Her embroidered pillow cases, baby quilts and bed quilts were prized possessions of many newly wedded couples, new families and her own children.

Traveling was another passion of Anita’s. She and Martin traveled to Europe with friends and after her retirement from teaching, she traveled to Ireland, Greece, and twice to Italy. She frequently visited her children in Santa Fe, Seattle, San Francisco and Boston, and her siblings at their semi-annual family reunions.

Anita is survived by four of her children, Randy Hoebelheinrich (Christina) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Nancy Hoebelheinrich (Jerry) of San Mateo, Calif., Terry Hoebelheinrich (Cindy) of Eagle and Julie Hoebelheinrich (Mary Jane) of Medford, Mass.; a son-in-law, Patrick Wickstrom of Issaquah, Wash.; two grandchildren, Addie and Nico; and her siblings, Janice Walz (Duke), Mardel Geritz, Laurie Johnson, Rod Schieffer, Larry Schieffer (Carol), Chuck Schieffer (Deanna) and Carlyn Campbell (Pat). She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin; her daughter, Kristi; her brothers, Lonnie Schieffer and Richard Schieffer; and her sister, Jo Clare Peterman.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 6 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, located at 802 F St., in Rupert, with the Rev. Father Francisco Godinez as celebrant. Burial will be in Paul Cemetery.

For those unable to attend the funeral Mass in person, a live webcast will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/3CgoTzXwMIo.

To continue helping to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the wearing of face masks and social distancing will be practiced.

Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the St. Nicholas School Endowment Foundation, P.O. Box 652, Rupert, ID 83350 in memory of Anita.

Condolences for Anita Marie Hoebelheinrich

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Lucy Hahn :

Anita was a dear friend and dedicated teacher. She was also a peer through Beginning Experience. I was blessed to know her and call her friend. May she Rest In Peace.

From ken lammers:

May the blessings Anita has given over the years stay forever.

From Kim Ball:

I had the privilege of working with Anita at St. Nicholas and at the Harvest Dinner Bazaar. She was an amazing person with the kindest heart. I will miss her dearly.

From Michael Ballinger:

Dear Cousins, I will never forget helping with potatoe harvest and Uncle Don pounding on the travel trailer at 4:00 AM to wake John Hansen and me. Anita had breakfast ready and Martin was on deck, too, in spite of his advanced illness. It was an inspiring experience of a family pulling together. As Colleen and I read Anita's obituary we were amazed at the example she gave of sacrifice, dedication and service to her family and community. All given freely and with a rare combination of discipline and wit. May she now rest in Peace.

From Lecia Miller:

I first met Anita when I first graduated from Idaho State and began working with Anita as a bilingual aide. Anita worked diligently for the best of all of her students. Later, my son, Wyatt, struggled with reading and writing. I asked Anita to tutor him. I am convinced that Wyatt's success in high school and college was largely due to Anita's guidance. We will miss her. Our prayers are with your family.

From Tina M. Hernández :

My sympathy on the passing of you sister, mother, and grandmother. She was a strong woman who leaves you with a fine legacy.
I had the privilege of being in the same Master’s program as your Mama. She was always up for class discussions and a good classmate. I pray that you will receive comfort and healing peace.

From Julie Reynolds:

So sorry for the loss of your mother. She was devoted to ministering to many of us through Beginning Experience.
Prayers for all.

From Fr. Meinrad Schallberger:

Anita, you were truly a Christian leader by your life. Thanks for being with us in Beginning Experience. We were blest with your presence.

From Shelley Telleria:

My late husband(Andoni “Chic” Telleria) had many fond memories of Mrs H. Had many a story to tell. When Chic passed away Mrs. H reached out with a phone call and a card of her condolences. I’ll never forget her kindness. So sorry for your loss.

From Julia Oxarango-Ingram:

Anita was my 4th grade teacher at St. Nicholas Elementary, but a lifelong friend. After I’d grown, with children & businesses of my own, she often came to our monthly dinners with friends at our Bistro in Burley, ID (Marco’s). We laughed long & hard about what a memorably gifted yet challenging class ours was (class of ‘81). I have the fondest memories of her reading Where the Red Fern Grows to our class, and developing a love of Idaho History with her hands-on projects. I built a pioneer wagon out of a matchbox & checkers for wheels! She also encouraged us to enter art and poetry contests, and participate in community service projects. She was an exceptional teacher, and a treasured friend~Sending love and my sincere condolences to Anita’s family!

From Marideth Joy Sandler:

Mrs. Hoebelheinrich - as I first knew her - was truly her family's linchpin and beloved by her family. I met her in 1980, through her daughter, Nancy, on her family's farm in Rupert. When I was married in 1985 in Hailey, I can recall her now, in my mind, as she made sure my wedding dress was hanging just right. Lastly, I treasure the set of embroidered towels she gave me so many years ago. I will miss her and her warm, giving ways.

From Carol Jean (B) Woodard:

Cousins, I will miss Anita’s good council. She was a great model to me. We remember her for introducing us to “Idaho BLTs”. (Add a fried egg to Bacon, lettuce & Tomato Sandwich ). May she be at Peace.

From Callie Higbee:

Wonderful, smart, beautiful, talented lady. I had the privilege of working with Anita a few short years. Prayers for the family.

From Debbie Renz-Uhrich:

Oh, what a legacy this woman has left. She was devoted to her Savior, her church, her students and participants of Beginning Experience (BE). I feel blessed to have known and loved her. Peace be with you, my friend.

From Jachelle Lowe:

Mrs. Hoebelheinrich was my 4th grade teacher at Big Valley Elementary. I remember making leather out of paper bags to write picture stories on for Idaho History and drawing great horned owls to scale after reading about them. I remember how she could make an "Outdoor Idaho" episode and air popped popcorn feel like the beat party ever. I really learned how to work in her classroom. My condolences to her family. What an amazing lady and educator.

From Charleen and Lori Allred :

We will miss her so much. Enjoyed being neighbors for many years.

From Ann Heitkemper:

I am so sad to hear of the loss of dear kind Anita. I will miss our conversations about teaching and the needs of children, a topic of great importance to her. Her life's experiences as a homesteader and her losses of loved ones were difficult but she was wise and brave and made her way. My heartfelt condolences.

From Tina O'Donnell:

Julie and Family....I am so sorry to hear about your sweet mother. I have very fond memories of her. She was always so kind to me and my entire family! She will be missed.

From Darla Culley:

Anita was my friend for many years and I will miss her. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

From Bob and Anna Stearns:

Anita was devoted to helping children be all they could be. She was tireless in her efforts. She was devout in her spiritual beliefs and was certainly an American patriot. Donating her husband's flag to be shared by students at Big Valley Elementary was an example. Thank God for people like Anita.

From Veronica Childers:

I’m sorry to hear of Anita’s passing. She truly was a wonderful person. May she Rest In Peace.

From Annette Moore:

Anita was such an inspiration to me. Led me through the long walk of loss. She was my hero. I’m a better person for knowing her. Our BE family will never forget her hard work, wisdom, and unconditional love. My best regards to her family.

From Kris Frost:

Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Love and hugs from me.

From Teresa Hove Lowney:

Anita not only opened her home to our Beginning Experience training but her heart to all of us who made this healing retreat. Surely the angels came to meet her and guide her home.

From Cathy Servatius:

Anita was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She nutured so many of us through Beginning Experience ministry. A wonderful mother figure, cook & friend. I couldn't have asked for a more special or loyal friend. May she RIP. She will be missed.

From Terry Saras Fate:

Julie and family, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a very special lady. I have very fond memories of her.

From Tami Clark:

I met Anita when my boys were at St. Nicholas school. She was a wonderful, kind, strong, but fair teacher. She was retired, and volunteering her time for the kids. She will be missed!

From Mary Zarybnisky :

Anita was a beautiful lady both inside and out. I had the privilege of teaching with her for a few years and found her to be an exemplary teacher and a wonderful friend!

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