Heather Watgen Obituary

Heather L. Watgen

A Memorial Mass for Heather L. Watgen, 50, Lawrence will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2013 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence. She died May 2, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 5, 1963 in Carbondale, IL the daughter of Leonard G. and Elsie (Payne) Wood.

Heather received a Bachelor of Science in clothing and textiles from Southern Illinois University in 1985, a Kansas State Teaching Certificate from Washburn University in 2001, and a Masters in education from Baker University in 2009.

She was a fifth grade teacher at Cordley Elementary in Lawrence for the past 12 years.

She was a member of St. John the Evangelist the Catholic Church.

She married Thomas "Tom" M. Watgen on June 1, 1985 in Carbondale, IL. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Collin Watgen, Thomas A. Watgen, both of the home; one brother, Fred Wood, and wife, Myra, Greer, SC; one sister, Tina Butler, and husband, Max, Johnston City, IL; two nieces; three nephews; two great nieces; and two great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Leonard G. Wood, Jr.

There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence followed by a visitation until 6 p.m.

The family suggests memorials in her name to water.org and may be sent in care of Cordley Elementary School, 1837 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on May 3, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Heather Watgen

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i know how mrs watgen was a nice teacher. by the time she passed away i know how hard it was to let her go.im sorry for the family's loss. we love mrs. watgen so much . rest in peace mrs. watgen. i hopeyou will remember us. love litzy.

litzy monroy

May 9, 2013

I haven't seen Heather for several years but have always kept up with her. She was just a little girl when we moved behind her family in Carbondale, IL. She and Tina spent many hours at the lake boating with us and were very special young ladies in our lives. Heather will be greatly missed. May God Bless and give your family comfort.

Betty Cross

May 7, 2013

Blessings of Peace for Tom and all the family.

Norm Kinnaugh

May 6, 2013

So very sorry for your loss. PCA 3 West

Sherry Wealthall

May 6, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with the family. It was a gift to have known Heather.

Eileen Larson

May 5, 2013

Mrs. Watgen was my favorite teacher at Cordley. I was never bored in her class because she always taught us something new every day. I am sad she had to leave us so soon. Sebi Brown

Heather Watgen is a fine Lady and a magnificent teacher. She challenged my grandson which proved to him how much he is capable of learning. I will always be grateful he had her as a teacher. I feel so sad that children in the future will not have the pleasure of being in her class. She will be greatly missed. Kathleen Christian

Kathleen Christian

May 5, 2013

I work at the Boys and Girls Club for Cordley. Heather was a wonderful teacher who was passionate about her students learning. She always had a bright and inviting smile. We will all miss her. My condolences and positive thoughts.

Marissa Summey

May 4, 2013

Thank you for being a good teacher and caring about me. I'm going to miss you.-Jack Towey

We will be keeping the Watgen family in our hearts and prayers. Heather was a wonderful person and a compassionate teacher. She will be missed.

The Towey Family

May 4, 2013

Thanks for making a difference in our son's life and in the lives of many other children during your tenure at Cordley! We made a donation in your name directly at the water.org website

Ken Lassman

May 4, 2013

I feel like I just saw you, Heather! My deepest condolences to all who lost such a funny, sweet lady. I appreciated her as my daughters' teacher years ago, and as a friend thereafter. Rest peacefully, sister. My prayers to all who will miss her.

Renee C

May 4, 2013

I know how nice mrs watgen is she was a great teacher at cordley. She was one of my second favorite teacher. We love you mrs. Watgen all 5th graders do. The 5th graders we are the more we love you. We love you. Frome 5th graders, mrs.burke, and mr.shipman too. Rest in peace

Litzy Monroy

May 3, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Heather's family as her passing has left her family feeling such a great loss. May you find healing in the comfort of having such wonderful memories together. I remember Heather as being so fun and loving. Hugs to you all.

Susan Sims

May 3, 2013

I've known the family for many years and my heart goes out to them. Heather was one of the nicest, most generous people I've ever known and send my condolences.

Nathan Towns

May 3, 2013

Heather meant to much to my son, Hamund. She was not only his teacher but his friend. Our condolences to you all at this very sad time. She made a huge impact on so many lives and will be missed.

Kim Christensen

May 3, 2013

We are going to miss Heather so much. We are so thankful we were given the opportunity to know her. Thinking of Tom & the boys at this difficult time. Prayers for you all.

Jan and Rhonda Burgess

May 3, 2013

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