Charlotte Christine (Backhaus) Hehn, age 82, joined her Heavenly Father Thursday, February 13, 2014.

Charlotte Christine (Backhaus) Hehn was born January 8, 1932, to Martin and Lois (Yeater) Backhaus in Pollock, SD. She grew up on a farm 10 miles northwest of Pollock, went to grade school in the country, and graduated at the age of 15.

Char married Harold Hehn on November 17, 1949, and together they had two daughters, Patricia (Patty) and Diane and a son, Daniel (Danny).

Char went to nursing school in Omaha, NE, but came home early to marry Harold. She worked as a Healthcare Aide at the Northern Hills General Hospital in Deadwood, SD, for many years and enjoyed taking care of the babies as well as supporting the nurses, doctors, and staff. She lived in Spearfish and Lead, SD, for several years while Harold was employed at the Homestake Mine and she worked at the hospital.

Char was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Her example of a Christian woman could not go unnoticed as she greeted everyone with a smile and her good-bye was always "God Bless You"; even to the last caregiver at the time of her death. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and most recently, within 10 days of her passing, great-great grandchild were very special to her. For the great-grandchildren, her gift would always be a "sugar plum" that she would take from the back of their ear and eat with delight. When she visited with her grandchildren, a hug was sent for their children and a "God Bless You" was included in every closing. She also adored her children and was very proud of each of them and their families. She was very involved in her church homes in Deadwood and Blessed Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Sturgis, SD. As long as she was able, she was at the church every day to help with whatever she could to support the church.

Char passed away peacefully Thursday, February 13, 2014, at Rapid City RegionalHospital. She was well cared for and had loving family by her side to be with her and pray with her until her time had come to go "home".

She is survived by her children, Diane (Bruce) Alkire of Lake City, FL, and Daniel Hehn of Sturgis, SD; grandchildren, Chris Maltaverne of Rapid City, SD, Paul Engelof Deadwood, SD, Amy (Preston) Engel of Sturgis, SD, Bridgette (Greg) Yount of Mannassas, VA, Brian (Katie) Alkire of Raleigh, NC, and Bethany Alkire of Greensboro, NC; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are two brothers, Leo (Jeanne) Backhaus of Belle Fourche, SD, and Larry (Marge) Backhaus of Vale, SD; and one sister, Mary Ann Sjomeling of Elk Point, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Lois Backhaus; husband, Harold Hehn; daughter, Patricia J. Engel; grandson, Adam J. Engel; sisters, Delores Plemmons and Laura May Lovik; and brother, Donald Martin.

A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com .

Click on link to view service folder