For many people, there is that one teacher in their school career that leaves a lasting impression that forever changes their life. Maybe it was some profound wisdom they shared. Maybe it was how they interacted and guided a student through the path of growing up. Or maybe it was their sense of true joy and a passion for what they were teaching. Whatever the reason, these teachers touch lives that go far beyond the classroom…and the years. Eagle Grove has been blessed with many of these outstanding teachers, one of them being Richard D. Heggen.
Heggen’s was the kindergarten through high school Eagle Grove art teacher from 1958 – 1966 before accepting a position at Iowa State University. When he retired from ISU 30 years later, he did so as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. He was also an accomplished artist who had exhibits on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., in Paris Museums, and was named the winner of numerous state, regional, national, and even international competitions. He was also very active in the church and community.
Richard had four daughters, Barb, Sharon, Joyce, and Rachel. Barb (Heggen) Alcott, who would have been a member of the EGHS graduating Class of 1970 had her family not moved, was a close friend of Trudy (Hanson) Koch, also of the Class of ’70. Even after the Heggens’ moved away to Ames for Richard’s new teaching position, Barb and Trudy remained very close. In fact, they were even in each others’ weddings, and to this day, keep in contact regularly. When the EGHS Class of 1970 Class Reunion started approaching, Trudy had a great idea…and a great connection to make that idea a reality.
“Do you think your dad would ever consider doing a drawing of the high school for the cover of our reunion book?” Trudy asked Barb. Barb went to her dad, and said he didn’t even hesitate. At 89-years-old, Mr. Heggen’s response was, “Absolutely.”
He was reportedly so excited that he sent Sharon out to buy him some new colored pencils and asked Trudy to send him pictures of the high school building so he could draw it to scale. This priceless piece of work was completed only a few days later.
“It was one of his last accomplishments,” Trudy said of the drawing, “It is stunning.”
Heggen passed away in December of 2020.
“Our class members were each blessed with a copy of the print on the cover of our reunion book,” said Trudy, “Everyone felt honored to have this special memory to keep for themselves.” The Class of 1970 was also honored to receive permission from Richard’s wife, Lorraine, and family, to auction a framed and matted print at their reunion in order to raise money for the Richard D. Heggen / EG Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund. Funds raised from the auction will be awarded to a graduating member of EGHS for each year for ongoing years. The family was excited about the scholarship, and also knowing that someone at the auction would bid that would cherish and be honored to own a Richard D. Heggen print. Anita Larsen, also from the Class of ’70, won the bid, and the print, and was ecstatic!
A second print of Richard’s EGHS drawing was presented to the Eagle Grove Historical Museum.
“The family has some great memories of the museum, as they lived right across the street from the then library,” noted Trudy, “and Mrs Heggen requested it be dedicated there, on behalf of the family.”
Ron Mohr was proud to be able to accept the donation, and immediately hung it in a place of honor in the “School Room” at the museum.
Finally, the family gifted a third and final print to Trudy.
“Mr. Heggen taught so much more than art..he was a role model who taught life lessons through the school, the church, and the entire community,” said Jane (Read) Frazier, another Class of ’70 member, and friend of the Heggens.
“We are so grateful (for the family’s generosity),” said Trudy, “All of us were truly blessed. Our class is so proud to honor this great man.”
