Wilma Bertha Hecht

Wilma Bertha Hecht, age 98, of Las Vegas, formerly of Jewell, IA, died Saturday, February 13, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV. Wilma was born September 5, 1911 in Jewell, IA. She is the daughter of the late August A and the late Bertha (Barkema) Abramson. Wilma was born in Jewell, IA and lived there 96 1/2 years, prior to moving to Las Vegas in 2008. Wilma was 13 years old when her mother died. She then took on the responsibility of raising her seven siblings. After marrying her first husband, Hans John Koop, she lived outside of town and farmed until the early 60's, when they moved back into town. Together they had 4 children. Hans died in 1967. She then married, William W. Hecht, and they were together for about 20 years, until his death. Wilma was an amazing woman who would do anything for anybody. She volunteered for her church, crocheted and made pizzas at the local pizza parlor until she was in her 80's. Wilma enjoyed wonderful health. She had a full garden and canned her own vegetables until she was 95 and recently quit driving at the age of 96. She is survived by her children Betty M. Clark of Ames, IA, Laurene Murphy of Las Vegas, NV and John H (Doris) Koop of Havasu, AZ; her step-children Robert (Mary) Hecht of Alpha, MN, Shirley Boyer of White Bear Lake, MN, Russell (Mary) Hecht of Estherville, IN, and Donna Hecht; 13 grandchildren, 26 step-grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren ; 63 step great grand children; 8 great, great grandchildren; and 31 step great, great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son Keith Koop, stepsons William Hecht, Jr. and Richard Hecht, great grand children Brian Hecht and Tina Hecht and her 6 brothers; Lloyd Abramson, Sterling Abramson, Willis Abramson, Claude Abramson, Laurence Abramson, and Clifford Abramson and sister, Jeanette Roe. The funeral will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 439 Main Street, Jewell, IA. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilma's memory may be made to the Bethesda Lutheran Church Kitchen Fund. .