John Heckemeyer (Veteran)

John Bernard Heckemeyer, age 85, of Dixon, passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born on February 6, 1925, in St. Elizabeth, a son of John F. and Elizabeth (Jurgensmeyer) Heckemeyer. Mr. Heckemeyer was united in marriage on May 17, 1952, at St. Elizabeth to the former Miss Erma Foster and to this union, two sons were born. Mr. Heckemeyer attended Struemph School and was a member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dixon. He was a member and past Commander of the Lischwe-Brandel American Legion Post No. 354, Brinktown and served as head of the Parish Council, St. Theresa Church, Dixon. On May 19, 1944, Mr. Heckemeyer entered into active federal service in the United States Army and served until February 28, 1967, when he was honorably discharged. SFC Heckemeyer served both in World War II and the Korean Conflict. A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country. Following his retirement from the United States Army, Mr. Heckemeyer was employed at the Missouri State Penitentiary, retiring after 17 years. He enjoyed gardening, farming and his cattle. Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Heckemeyer include: his wife, Erma Heckemeyer of St. James; two sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Reta Heckemeyer of Russellville, and Mike and Dr. Phyllis Heckemeyer of San Augustine, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law, Marie (Toots) and Leonard Schanzmeyer of St. Elizabeth; seven grandchildren, Tammy, Jason, Jonathan, Joseph, James, Amanda and Jennifer; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Hannah; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Henry Heckemeyer, George Heckemeyer, Lawrence Heckemeyer and Fred Heckemeyer; one sister, Emma Bax; and one nephew, Bob Heckemeyer. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mr. Heckemeyer at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 12, 2011, in the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Dixon, with Rev. Walter Reisinger officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in the St. Theresa (Egan) Cemetery, near Dixon, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2011, with a Prayer service at 6:30 p.m., in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon. Memorials are suggested by the family to the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dixon, with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon.