Marguerite "Marge" Kay Hehnke

Marguerite “Marge” Kay Hehnke, 83, of North Platte NE, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Marge was born on September 12, 1942, to Joseph and Theresa (Leadabrand) Arensdorf in Sutherland, Nebraska. She spent her early childhood years living on a farm before her family moved to North Platte. She began third grade at McDaid Elementary School and later attended St. Patrick’s High School, where she was a cheerleader, participated in the drama club, and was crowned Sweetheart and Valentine’s Queen. She graduated in 1960.

Marge worked at Project Bakery before beginning a career in the medical field. She worked for Dr. Callaghan and Dr. Larsen before working for Dr. Bartruff in Gothenburg. She later returned to North Platte, where she worked as a medical transcriptionist at Great Plains Hospital for 20 years, retiring in 1998.

She married Delmar “Kal” Sears in 1964, and they were blessed with two children, Roger and Roxie. Although they later divorced, they remained lifelong friends. She later married John Hehnke, and from that union had a daughter, Jodi. They also later divorced.

Marge enjoyed being actively involved in her church community, knitting, reading, working on puzzles, bowling, and dancing whenever she had the chance. She especially loved to “kick up her heels” in her pink cowboy boots.

She leaves behind cherished memories with her family, who were her greatest joy and remained by her side until the end. Her smile, laughter, and presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Marge is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Theresa; brother and sister-in- law, Ralph and Margaret Ann Arensdorf; sisters, Alma Walz and Anna Melvin; sister-in-laws, Esther Arensdorf and Shirley Arensdorf; brother-in-law, Dick Jones; and first husband, Kal Sears.

Marge is survived by her children, Roger (Cindy Fischer), Roxie (Tracy) Hilker and Jodi Tzirikidis; brothers, Dale Arensdorf, Harold Arensdorf and Ray (Lynn) Arensdorf; sisters, Darlene Jones, Mildred (Johnny) Polanco and Karen (Jack) Livingston; grandchildren, Anthoni Antillon, Tyson Antillon, Brittanie Nelson, Bryce Obermeier, Brantley Owens, Morgan Baldwin and Spencer Hilker; great grandchildren, Makenna Nelson, Alexis Nelson, Garrett Nelson, Barrett Baldwin and Brooks Baldwin.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Odean Colonial Chapel from 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. with family present from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at St. Pat’s Catholic Church prior to the Mass of Christian Burial which will be held at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Floral Lawns Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Schools or St. Judes. Odean Colonial Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com