Dorothy Ann Hiegel

With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy Ann Hiegel, who left this world gently on May 20, 2026, surrounded by the warmth of her devoted family. Born on December 8, 1931, in the heart of Ohio, Dorothy's life was a testament to love, resilience, and devotion to family and faith. Dorothy was the beloved daughter of Francis Grothaus and grew up in a household that instilled values of kindness and community. She carried these values throughout her life, spreading joy and warmth to everyone she encountered. Dorothy was educated at St. John’s Catholic Church in Delphi, Ohio, where she formed lifelong friendships and a deep-rooted faith that guided her through life's journey. On August 16, 1952, Dorothy married her soulmate, Paul Franklin Hiegel, embarking on a beautiful journey of over six decades together until Paul's passing. Their marriage was a beacon of love and partnership, a union blessed with six children who became the center of Dorothy's world. Together with Paul, she nurtured a loving family environment, filled with laughter, support, and an abundance of love. Dorothy's heart was most at home in the kitchen, where her love for cooking became a way to care for her family. Her meals were more than sustenance; they were expressions of her love, creating moments and memories that her family will carry forever. Dorothy had an innate ability to make everyone feel welcome and cherished, a skill that resonated deeply within her family and community. She is predeceased by her dear husband, Paul, her cherished son, Michael, and her beloved sister, Helen Kay Sadler. Dorothy's legacy continues through her surviving children: sons Steve Hiegel, Joseph Hiegel, Mathew Hiegel (Angie), Doug Hiegel (Kelly), and daughter Sandra Kay Hauenstein (Timothy), who all carry forward her spirit of love and unity. Her sister, Alice Wagler, and brother, Ronald Grothaus, also survive her, along with a large and loving extended family. Dorothy took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to 19 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 36 great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she delighted in watching them grow, offering wisdom and unconditional love with every step of their journeys. As we bid farewell to Dorothy, we remember a life that was rich in love and service, a life that touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her warmth, her gentle spirit, and her unwavering faith will forever be remembered and cherished. A celebration of Dorothy's life will take place in the coming days, a gathering of family and friends to honor a remarkable woman who lived a life full of grace and compassion. As we gather to say goodbye, we hold Dorothy in our hearts, knowing that she is reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her, and resting in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Dorothy's memory, as a tribute to her generous spirit and her lifelong dedication to helping others.