Lois "Eileen" Heinen

Lois Eileen Heinen passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025 at Aldersgate Village at Topeka, KS at the age of 99 years.  Known by family and friends as 'Eileen', she was born on August 13, 1925 in Cawker City, KS to Peter J. and Hazel (North) Heinen. Eileen was the 3rd of 5 children which included her sister, Agnes and brothers, Harold, Donald and Larry.

Eileen attended St Theresa's Academy in Cawker City and graduated from high school in 1943 from Jewell Rural High School in Jewell, KS.  She furthered her education at Emporia State University, Emporia, KS receiving a Bachelor's degree in Business Education and Business Administration in 1947 and a Master's degree from Emporia State in 1965.

From 1948-1957, Eileen used her college education to work at high schools at Waverly, KS, Minneapolis, KS, the Girls Industrial School in Beloit, KS. and at Highland Park High School in Topeka, KS.

In 1957, Eileen began working for the Kansas State Dept. of Education in the departments that focused on accreditation of teachers and schools. She remembered when the State of Kansas set up accreditation standards for the 14 original (Junior Colleges—OR – institutions of higher learning) in the State and then expanded to add 5 more (Junior College) institutions.  Eileen retired from the Kansas State Dept. of Education in 1991 after 34 years of service.

While living in Topeka, Eileen was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Topeka, KS and Christ the King Catholic Church, Topeka.

Through the years, Eileen enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe with family and friends, and on many of these trips, she was accompanied by her sister, Agnes.

While living at Aldersgate Village these last few years, Eileen enjoyed visiting and playing cards with friends and neighbors. She especially enjoyed being reunited with her good friend, Bobbie Jameson, a former teacher she had taught with.    Eileen's hobbies included antiquing.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and niece, Jennifer Finch; nephew, Jeffrey Heinen; nephew, Warren Heinen; great-niece, Shanna Finch; and great-nephew, Jason Jennings.  Eileen is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Monday, March 3 at the St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. A parish rosary will take place at 9:30 AM at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the St. John's Catholic Church or the Beloit Coalition of Churches.