Kruz L. Hegemann, age 3 months, son of Luke and KC Hegemann of Howells, NE passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, NE. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Howells, NE. Private family services will be held at a later date. Minnick Funeral Home in West Point, NE is assisting with the arrangements.
Kruz Lucas Hegemann was born on January 29, 2026 at Bergan Mercy Hospital where he was directly taken to the NICU there. He easily became a favorite resident to everyone who stepped foot in his room. Quite frankly, if you didn’t step foot in Kruz’s room you still knew who resided in Room 16, “Kruzer Bear.” He was born a warrior and continued to be one throughout his stay as he impressed many people with his resilience and defying the odds, writing his own story. After two months at Bergan, Kruz was taken to Children’s Hospital where he underwent more testing. On Wednesday, April 29, Kruz received his Holy Baptism where he became a child of God. Kruz had his best days after his baptism, and to us, there is divine irony in that. Before he ascended into heaven, Kruz gave Mom and Dad the biggest smile that we had ever seen him give. As hard as this is, it gave us the affirmation he is where he belongs.
In Kruz’s short time on earth, he had many favorites. He loved his “Spa Day.” He loved it so much that we would have to keep a diaper on him in the bath! Ollie, the knitted Octopus, was a comfort item Kruz loved the minute he held it, along with his light up sound machine where he could watch the fish swim. Kruz also appreciated the scent cloths mom would leave right next to him in his crib, and the many books that were read to him. He also loved getting visits from his sisters. We wouldn’t have to tell him when they were there, he could hear them as soon as they walked in and began to squirm. Kruz was the biggest cuddle bug. He loved being held, nestled right up under our chin, and spent many, many hours in Mom and Dad’s arms. If Kruz could talk, I know he would be grateful for his doctors and nurses who went above and beyond to make sure he was comfortable at all times. They have become lifelong friends, even in such a short amount of time.
We were told that God never gives you more than you can handle, and as parents, that’s tough. It doesn’t seem fair, why us? After giving it more thought, it dawned on us. Considering God hand picked us out of a world of people to be his parents given a situation like this, to me, means he trusted us with a life so precious and short, that we would do everything in our power to make Kruz get the best experience on earth as possible. For that, we will forever be grateful he was ours, even if it was for a short amount of time. How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. We love you, Kruzer Bear.
Kruz is survived by his parents, Luke and KC Hegemann; his sisters, Kezly and Kizyn; grandparents, Kim Heimann, and Dave and Brenda Hegemann; great grandparents; JoAnn Hegemann and Robin Groene; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his great grandparents; Hank and Gloria Balzer, Cathy Groene, and Joe Hegemann; and great uncle, Ryan Groene.