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Richard Heckel

May 12, 1951 - March 8, 2019
Service
Old Hickory Golf Club-Beaver Dam
W7596 Highway 33 East
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
* |
Wednesday 3/13, 5:00 pm
Old Hickory Golf Club-Beaver Dam
W7596 Highway 33 East
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
* |
Wednesday 3/13, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Richard C. Heckel, age 67, of Fort Pierce, FL, formerly of Beaver Dam, died on Friday, March 8, 2019 at UW Hospital in Madison following a hard-fought battle with MDS. Everyone is invited to a casual Celebration of Life Service and a meal beginning promptly at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Old Hickory Golf Club in Beaver Dam. There will also be a time to visit with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dick was born on May 12, 1951 in St. Louis, MO to Clarence “Gene” and Elizabeth “Jean” (nee: Hadfield) Heckel. On July 24, 1970, he was united in marriage with Sharon Jenkins in Cambria, IL. Dick and Sharon moved to Beaver Dam where he worked as a Driver’s Ed instructor and a Health Teacher at the Beaver Dam High School for over 30 years. He also taught a summer course for many years called Wilderness Wellness in which he led a trip with his students to the Boundary Waters. Dick looked forward to his annual trip to the Boundary Waters with his buddies, as well. Dick loved golf and was a high school golf coach in Beaver Dam and later Watertown. In retirement, he gave golf lessons and worked in the Pro Shop at Old Hickory Golf Club. He and Sharon loved spending winters at their condo in Fort Pierce, Florida where Dick volunteered at a local course in exchange for golf privileges. It also gave him the opportunity to follow his favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, at spring training. He also loved to volunteer at the PGA Honda Classic Golf Tournament which he did for 7 years. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and loved the name “Poppy” that they called him. Dick is survived by his two daughters, Brooke (Craig) Ruesch of Kathleen, GA and Heather (Aaron) Lautenschlager of Negaunee, MI; four grandchildren, Elaina & Addison Ruesch, and Jacob & Mason Lautenschlager; his mother-in-law, Nettie Jenkins of Johnson City, IL; and his brother-in-law, Robert (Jackie) Jenkins of Colp, IL; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Sharon on May 6, 2018; his father-in-law, Gerald Jenkins; and his brother-in-law, James Jenkins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation or Restoring Hope Transplant House in Middleton.

Service
Old Hickory Golf Club-Beaver Dam
W7596 Highway 33 East
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
* | Map
Wednesday 3/13, 5:00 pm
Old Hickory Golf Club-Beaver Dam
W7596 Highway 33 East
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
* | Map
Wednesday 3/13, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Richard C. Heckel, age 67, of Fort Pierce, FL, formerly of Beaver Dam, died on Friday, March 8, 2019 at UW Hospital in Madison following a hard-fought battle with MDS. Everyone is invited to a casual Celebration of Life Service and a meal beginning promptly at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at OldContinue Reading

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Scott Uttech left a message on March 28, 2019:

A great teacher who helped many students find their way. I'm 45 and still remember him like I was 17. Thank you Mr. Heckel. Rest in peace..

John and Judy (Bock) Jung left a message on March 18, 2019:

Heather and Brooke, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend! How tragic to lose your dear mother and father within a year! I have so many happy memories of teaching days with the both of them! Such fine people!
Our deepest sympathies!
Sorry we could not make it to the service as we are still I'm AZ.

Mark Furdek left a message on March 14, 2019:

Brooke and Heather, our condolences on the loss of your father. We wish we could have shared Dick's celebration of life but we are in Florida. One of my summer highlights was the golf outings with Bernie, Jerry, your dad and me. Margaret and I are thankful we had time to spend with your father last fall in Marquette. Take care, Mark and Margaret Furdek

Kay Stellpflug left a message on March 14, 2019:

Brook and Heather, we remember both your parents as wonderful caring people and we are sorry for your loss. Know that they touched many lives and left their mark.

Joe Bustos left a message on March 14, 2019:

Rip my friend,

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rick & Lynn Reed left a message on March 13, 2019:

Sending our sympathy to the Heckel family. Dick was our son, Scott Reed's golf coach. He was an amazing coach and friend. They had the opportunity to go to state during those years, great memories for our family. We had the opportunity to get to know him during those years. Such a great man!

Carol and Bill Heigel left a message on March 13, 2019:

Dear Brooke and Heather, we send our sympathy on the passing of your Dad. We knew your parents through the St. Bernard dog clubs. They were kind and considerate to all they met and a joy to know. We are happy they crossed our lives.

Robbie Church left a message on March 12, 2019:

Dick and Sharon are great people who I shared our young lives together in grade/high school days. There are so many good memories of the two of them could not begin to list them all. Just knowing they are together again gives the heart comfort. So sorry for your loss.

Seth Fisher left a message on March 11, 2019:

I am very sorry and saddened to hear about Coach Heckel's passing. I had the pleasure of being one of his students when I was on the Watertown Golf Team from 2008-2012. I wasn't that great at golf, but Hex never gave up on me and was always uplifting and encouraging. I cherish all of the memories from those years.

Jackie Burke left a message on March 11, 2019:

Brooke and Heather,

I wish I could be there to celebrate your dad's life, but I am in AZ. He had a great sense of humor and that knowing smile. He will be missed by many.

Joseph Herman left a message on March 10, 2019:

Sorry for your loss, he was my health teacher and was a great person, always remember running to his room to get a bagel in between classes!!

Eric & Aline Mohorko left a message on March 10, 2019:

We are so sorry and sad for your loss. Our sympathy, prayers, and love. May God's peace fall upon every single one of you as you celebrate his life. God bless you all.

Noni Sizemore left a message on March 10, 2019:

Do sorry for your loss

Charlie Sizer left a message on March 10, 2019:

Hex was truly one of the best! It was a pleasure to be a student of his and to be on the golf team. He had a wealth of knowledge in the game of the golf and loved sharing it with others. Have many great memories with him and he will be missed immensely.

John Weiss left a message on March 10, 2019:

One of the all-time great guys. RIP Hex.

Joanne Starry left a message on March 10, 2019:

Brooke and Heather, Sorry for the loss of your father. You two have had a rough year. Our Sympathy for all your sadness. John and Joanne Starry

Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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