Alex Heckman

Alex Heckman, age 80, of St. Thomas, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born in Folk, on July 18, 1936, son of the late Herman Henry and Josephine Mary (Utrecht) Heckman. On October 25, 1958, in St. Thomas, Alex married Joann Lucy Strope, who survives at the home. Mr. Heckman was a truck driver for Schell Trading Company, Winkleman and Fick Trucking and Beaufort Transfer Company. Throughout his life, Mr. Heckman belonged to many organizations including the Knights of Columbus in St. Thomas, #2693 Fraternal Order of the Eagles, St. Thomas Cemetery Board, and assisted in the creation of the St. Thomas Fire Department. Mr. Heckman also served on the Blair Oaks School Board. Mr. Heckman enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, and spending time on his farm. His greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and served as Communion Minister at Capital Region Medical Center. In addition to his loving wife, Joann, he is also survived by four children, Debbie Kolb and husband Kevin of Jefferson City, Dale Heckman and wife Linda of Taos, Donna Bruemmer and husband Jeff of Jefferson City, and Darren Heckman and wife Greta of Taos; eight grandchildren, Kelsey Heckman, Nicole Heckman, Brandon Kolb, Anna Kolb, Claire Heckman, Natalie Heckman, Abbey Heckman, and Justin Bruemmer; one step-grandson, Christopher Bruemmer and wife Jessica; one step-great-grandson, Landon Bruemmer; two brothers, Tony Heckman and wife Betty Lou and Leander "Cotton" Heckman and wife Ceil; two sisters, Hermina Strope and husband Gilbert and JoAnn Schwartze and husband Sylvester "Bud"; and one brother-in-law, Jim Strope. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 20, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Fr. Jeremy Secrist will officiate. Interment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 3 p.m., on Sunday, February 19, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.