Donald Evans Hegeman

Donald Evans Hegeman, 69, died in Tucson, Arizona on April 21, 2026 after a lengthy illness. Born to Ruth (Casten) and George Hegeman on December 14, 1956 in Newton, Massachusetts, Don spent his childhood in New England. After a stint as a golf professional in Florida and Arizona, Don answered his call to ministry. He obtained a Masters of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology (Denver University) and was ordained by the United Methodist Church. For twenty-five years, Don served churches in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Montana. Don’s ministry went beyond the church as he embraced each community he lived in, such as serving as chaplain for the Billings Police Department and Youth Hockey in Rockville, CT. Outside his ministry Don enjoyed sports, especially hockey, and being outdoors through hiking, birding, and gardening.

Don is survived by his spouse of 35 years, Gretchen Breyller-Hegeman. Their children: E. Graham Hegeman (West Hartford, CT), Meghan Kittilsen (Roanoke, TX), and Jack Waterstreet (Dallas, TX). Their six grandchildren: Lyla, J. Nolan, and Emmitt Waterstreet and Deckyr, Duke, and Daxx Kittilsen (all in Texas). His younger sisters, Janice Hegeman (Arlington, MA), Joyce Hegeman (Colorado Springs, CO).

In accordance with his wishes, Don's body was donated to Lyme research. A private family memorial will be held on Douglas Mountain in Sebago, Maine in July and a Celebration of Life will be held at Tohono Chul in December.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tohono Chul, the botanical garden in Tucson where Don and Gretchen met, or LymeDisease.org.