Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home

08/27/2025

https://youtu.be/4mmIIGZdW9g
Elke Goodin's funeral tribute video.

Elke Christa Anni Heidi Goodin (Pechmann), 69 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at her home in Higginsville. She was born Tu...

08/27/2025

🍂🍻 Get ready, Higginsville! 🍻🍂

The Higgtoberfest Beer Garden is less than a month away! Saturday, September 20, 2025, Fairground Park 4-H Barn! 🎉 From 6PM–12AM, join us for a night of great food, cold drinks, and live music.

Huge THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors ‼️

✨ What to Expect:
🍖 Delicious eats from Blue Smoke BBQ - Odessa,MO &
The Munch Box
🍺 Ice-cold beer & seltzers from The Looney Bin Bar and Grill
🎶 Live music by Skid & The Mojos
🚗 Safe ride options thanks to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home

🎟 $15 per person | Ages 21 & Over
📍 810 W. 29th St., Higginsville, MO

Don’t miss this night of hometown fun with friends, food, and music.

👉 Tag your crew and mark your calendars — this is one you don’t want to miss

08/20/2025

https://youtu.be/w_OFD8UZhvQ

Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman, 88, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Monterey Park Rehab & Health in Independence.Eduar...

08/18/2025

https://youtu.be/FTrTPqHbbw0?si=J6wZYZpmsxRV2AwX

Patricia Irene McCoy (Miller), 77 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi...

08/11/2025

Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman, 88, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Monterey Park Rehab & Health in Independence.
Eduard was born on April 15, 1937, in Wense, Schedlitz, Poland. In 1951, he immigrated to the United States with his brother, Rudolph and was sponsored by their uncle, Edward Zittlow from Smithland, IA. In 1956, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished 27-year military career that spanned the entire globe.
In 1959, Eduard married the love of his life, Ruth (Hanel) Wickman, who survives him. He became a U.S. citizen on November 16, 1960, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, an achievement he cherished deeply. Throughout his career, Eduard served as a paratrooper, drill sergeant, and Army commander, completing two tours in Vietnam. He also shared his expertise as an ROTC instructor at the University of Central Missouri. His military education included SidPers (1975) and ROTC Office (1979).
He was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Medal, Paratrooper Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commander Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, four Overseas Service Bars, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among many others.
After retiring from the Army in 1983, Eduard enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of working in his yard and spending time with his family. Eduard’s legacy of service, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth, of the home; one son, Edward (Jeanette) Wickman of Independence; three daughters, Steffi (Bernd) Kirchner of Germany, C. “Lucy” (Butch) LaFountaine of North Carolina, and Nicole (Brian) Curtin of Odessa, Missouri; five grandchildren, Heather (Daniel) Craig, Weston Wickman, Dawson (Abigail) Curtin, Dylan Curtin, and Desiree Curtin; and three great-grandchildren, Krew Curtin, Kamdyn Curtin and Jane Craig. Eduard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rudolph Wickman; and two sons, Jimmy Wickman and Troy Wickman.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Bus. MO-13, Higginsville, Missouri.
Casket bearers: military. Honorary casket bearers: Daniel Craig, Dawson Curtin, Dylan Curtin, Weston Wickman. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

08/11/2025

Patricia Irene McCoy (Miller), 77 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. She was born on Saturday, May 1, 1948, in Higginsville, Missouri, to Elmer Miller and Virgie Miller (Jordan). On October 5, 1991, she married Arnold McCoy on June 6, 1966, and he preceded her in death on May 22, 2012.
Pat graduated from Lafayette County C-1. She worked for EnerSys for about eight years and as a CMT/CNA before dedicating her life to caregiving and babysitting. She lovingly cared for generations of children in her family, treating each as her own. She babysat grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many others throughout the community. Family and caregiving were her greatest priority.
In 2008, she was diagnosed with cancer and with remarkable strength, went on to beat cancer nine times in total. When she wasn't caring for others, she was an avid reader. Pat especially loved her Bible, which she read every day. She was also a talented seamstress, sewing many of her own school clothes when she was younger. Pat enjoyed painting, drawing, wood crafts, puzzles, and countless games with the kids. Her creativity, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Surviving are two sons, David (Renee) McCoy of Sedalia, MO, Scotty (Ashlyn) McCoy of Corder, MO; three daughters, Samantha (LaTone) McBride of Amory, MS, Mary Elliott of Higginsville, Vickie (Rick) McCoy of Corder; one brother, Michael Miller of Higginsville; one sister, Martha Williams of Higginsville; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and many children of the community she viewed as family that she cared for. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold McCoy; two brothers, Bernard Miller and Ralph Miller.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church located at 16 W. 15th St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Interment will follow in the Higginsville City Cemetery. Casket bearers: Chris Elliott, Dilon Elliott, James Elliott Jr, James Elliott Sr, Owinn Elliott, Rylan Elliott, Zach Elliott, Aston McBride, David McCoy, Luke McCoy. Honorary casket bearer: Adrien McBride. Memorials may be made to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home for the family, assisting with medical and funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

08/09/2025

https://youtu.be/poOc7GWyyTU
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Welcome to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home in Higginsville, MO! We are dedicated to honoring and celebrating the lives of your loved ones with compassionate fune...

08/07/2025

Elke Christa Anni Heidi Goodin (Pechmann), 69 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at her home in Higginsville. She was born Tuesday, December 27, 1955 in Leonberg, Germany to Joachim Pechmann and Ingeborg (Fousor) Pechmann.
Elke moved to the United States in the early 1980's from Germany, initially settling in Washington state before relocating to Higginsville in 1987. She was a hard worker and would do what it took to make ends meet. She dedicated many years of her life working at Wally’s Nut House, Walmart, and as a caregiver in nursing facilities.
She was proud of her German heritage but also just as proud to be in the United States. In Germany she had her high school diploma, was a licensed nurse, and working in the nursing field by age 16. When the working industry in the US wouldn't recognize any of her German licenses or high school diploma, she had no problem getting her GED to gain American employment.
Elke was a woman of many talents; she found joy in crafts such as diamond art, latch hooking, and macramé. Music was a cherished part of her life as well. She enjoyed all genres of music. In 1996, she met Ralph Miller and together they shared a beautiful life until his passing on March 20, 2024.
Though she and Ralph loved to travel, Elke was also a true homebody at heart. She found comfort in the simple pleasures of life, often sipping coffee and appreciating the little moments. An avid walker, she preferred exploring her surroundings on foot rather than by car. She walked to work every single day - rain, snow or shine.
Elke will be deeply missed by all who loved her, as she leaves behind cherished memories and an enduring legacy of family and resilience. Surviving are one son, Christopher Goodin (Kimberly Stoup) of Higginsville; four daughters, Gabriele (Scott) Teem of Missouri, Daniela (Christopher) Dwinells of Higginsville, Christina (Darin) Quick of Odessa, MO, Mindy Terrell (Dave Aycock) of Lexington, MO; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and family from Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents; her soulmate, Ralph; and one brother, Hans Pechmann.
A visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Burial will follow the visitation in the Higginsville City Cemetery, where Elke and Ralph will be laid to rest together. Memorials may be made to the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

08/05/2025

https://youtu.be/uFmDiGV_G6c?si=hX8DaXxz2ixltfqX

Billy's funeral.

This compilation video is a creation from the day of Billy’s memorial service at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri. Billy John Balcom,...

07/28/2025

Billy John Balcom, age 35 of Blackburn, Missouri, died on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, due to a heart attack in Paducah, KY. He was born Sunday, January 7, 1990 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of Eddie Balcom and Cynthia Balcom.
Billy graduated high school at Santa Fe High School in Alma, MO. He joined the United States Army after high school and served his country proudly. He served as a SPC in the Army from 2008 until 2012 as a cannon crewmember. He was a veteran of the Iraq Freedom War and Persian Gulf War.
He was discharged from the military in Georgia and remained in the Savannah, GA area. After the military, Billy worked construction and warehouse management. Billy was athletic and enjoyed sports. He played in adult soccer leagues and was very active. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hike, kayak and enjoy nature. Billy was social and enjoyed friends, gatherings and social events. Billy was taken from this world way too soon but his smile and memories will live on with those who loved him.
Surviving are his parents, Eddie and Retha Balcom of Blackburn, Cynthia Balcom of Independence, MO; brothers, Bobby Balcom of Savannah, GA, Mike Payton of Fulton, MO and Sam Burns of Oak Grove, MO.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 31, 2025 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located at 20109 Bus. MO-13 Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Inurnment in the columbarium wall will follow.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

07/27/2025

Betty Sue Harms (Holtcamp), 87 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, Missouri. She was born Friday, February 11, 1938 in Higginsville, Missouri, to the late Lawrence Holtcamp and the late Opal (Renno) Holtcamp. She was a 1955 graduate of Mayview High School in Mayview, Missouri. She married Edgar Harms on May 5, 1957; he preceded her in death on July 17, 2014.
Betty dedicated her entire career to the banking industry, showcasing her work ethic and commitment throughout her life. She found joy in a variety of hobbies, including crocheting, golfing, bowling, and sewing. Betty was an active member of the Higginsville Country Club and an active member in local bowling leagues demonstrating her lifelong passion for sports.
Her talent and competitive spirit shone through when she won first place in a Higginsville golf tournament at age 80, and proudly achieved third place at age 81. After retirement, Betty and Edgar embraced new adventures by RVing and taking cruises. As avid travelers, Betty and Edgar attended the Royals' training camp in Arizona and the St. Louis Cardinals' training camp in Florida for many years.
Betty’s vibrant personality and zest for life will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Surviving are two sons, Brett (Kinsey) Harms of Higginsville and Steve Harms of Grain Valley, MO; one daughter, Deborah (Aaron) Riekhof of Lee's Summit, MO, one brother, Les (Sandi) Holtcamp of Republic, MO; three grandchildren, Nick (Katie) Harms, Damon Riekhof, Skylar Harms; three great grandchildren, Peyton Riekhof, Henry Riekhof, Ryker Harms.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM on Tuesday and interment will be in the Higginsville City Cemetery. Casket Bearers: Kenny Gassen, Dirk Heathman, Jeff Holtcamp, Jerry Leonard, Damon Riekhof, Todd Ware.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

07/22/2025

Dottie Lee Fox (Franklin), 80 of Mayview, Missouri passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at her home in Mayview. She was born Saturday, February 10, 1945 in Higginsville, Missouri, to the late Herschel Franklin and the late Dorothy (Meade) Mendenhall. She was a graduate of Mayview High School and married Chester Fox on September 16, 1967. He preceded her in death on April 26, 2018.
Dottie dedicated much of her life to caring for others, both in her work and in her community. She worked as a cook at the Mayview School, always bringing a warm smile and a generous spirit to those around her. A proud and active member of the Mayview Community Betterment group, Dottie had a deep love for her town and contributed wholeheartedly to its growth and wellbeing.
She enjoyed her daily coffee and conversation at Michelle’s Place in Mayview, where she was a familiar and cherished presence. In her free time, Dottie loved working on puzzles, seeking treasures at garage sales, cooking delicious meals, and playing games with friends and family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren-attending their events and cheering them on every chance she got.
Known affectionately as MaDottie to her grandchildren, she was a trusted babysitter, meal deliverer, watchful eye, and a beloved figure in their lives. Her warmth, kindness, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Surviving are one son, Chad (Beth) Fox of Mayview; one daughter, Pam (Shane) Smith of Mayview; eight grandchildren, Seth (Amanda) Smith, Emma Smith, Adrian Smith, Abby Smith, Drew Smith, Celeste (Drew) Shippy, Will Fox, Clay Fox; three great-grandchildren, Liam Shippy, Baker Shippy, Graham Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chester Fox; two sisters, Linda Schmutz and Nila Wood.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with interment after the funeral in the Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Mayview. Casket bearers: Clay Fox, Will Fox, Drew Shippy, Adrian Smith, Drew Smith, Seth Smith. Honorary casket bearers: Baker Shippy, Liam Shippy, Graham Smith. Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com