Sarah Olive Hegeman

Clear the dance floor! On Dec. 4th, Sarah Olive Hegeman (Curnow) “Mustang Sally” joined her beloved Dance Partner “Walter”, in Heaven.

Born, June 14th, 1927 in Houghton, Mi. The Daughter of Ernest and Ida May Curnow (Hogaboam).

She is survived by Son, Timothy, and Daughters, Barbara Loftus (David), Halle and Molly. And many Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Walter Leonard Hegeman, and her Brothers, Ernest, Alan, Robert and Sisters, Emma and Pearl.

Sally was so very proud of growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Mi. as a “Yooper” where she thrived through her High School Graduation from, Houghton High School.

She loved being in the Mariners and was an avid swimmer and ice skater. She often reminisced about following her Dad to the Church Choir or on his many Blacksmithing jobs.

After High School she moved to Waterford with her Family and worked at Nordbergs in Milwaukee, where she recorded military parts for the War effort.

She was literally swept off her feet by the Love of her life, Wally, on a dance floor in Hales Corners.

Sarah and Walter were Married on May 7th, 1949 at St. Thomas Church in Waterford. They lived in Waterford for almost 27 years, residing in a beautiful home they built with their own hands.

The Spring of 1975, found the whole family moving to Boulder Junction, where they purchased the Nick Nack Niche store and established a furniture business. This is where Sally shined. She spent many happy years doing beautiful artwork on Wally’s pine furniture. She especially liked doing birds. In 1986, they opened The Log Work Shop, The Blacksmiths Daughter and The Carpenters Son. Sally was also known for her sewn, calico, maple leaf potholders, making and selling over a thousand of them every year. When they retired from the retail part of the business, they sold their furniture through the Homestead Shop, also in Boulder Jct.

As a true “Yooper” her hobbies were, shoveling snow, raking and mowing the lawn. Sarah served in the Boulder Jct. Historical Society, where she designed their Train Logo. She also served in the Boulder Chamber and designed one of the Seals still found on Boulder souvenirs. Sally and Wally jointly were named Citizens of the Year in Boulder. They were both at the fore front of the fight for Bike Trails in the area. They also pushed for the first Christmas Walk which started with everyone on the Main Street getting a free Christmas tree to decorate the town.

Being of strong Faith, Sally found Great comfort at St. Anne Church and in singing in the Church choir.

A mass at St. Anne’s Church and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Boulder Jct. Fire and Rescue. They graciously helped her up on numerous occasions which allowed her to stay in her own home. -We Rise by Lifting Others-