Dennis Joseph Heckemeyer

Dennis Joseph Heckemeyer, age 69, of Lohman, formerly of St. Elizabeth, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on April 5, 1949 in Tuscumbia, to Cyrilla (Doerhoff) Heckemeyer and Lawrence Heckemeyer, who preceded him in death. On November 1, 1985, in Jefferson City, he was united in marriage to Becky Branch Burkett, who survives at their home. Dennis was a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School. He attended Lincoln University receiving degrees in Agriculture and Biology. After college, he managed the St. Elizabeth MFA Feed and Mercantile. His greatest love, as a mushroom grower, lead him to working for Purina in several states. For the last 15 years he worked for Local 945 as a Union Carpenter. Dennis enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing cards with his family and friends. He loved gardening and canning. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family, friends, children and grandchildren. Many summers were spent at the lake with family and friends watching his grandchildren grow. Dennis was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Fulton. In addition to his wife, Becky Heckemeyer of Lohman, Dennis is also survived by his children by blood and by heart, Becky Oleson and husband Kevin of Nixa, Christy Heckemeyer of Fulton, Greg Heckemeyer and wife Jenny of Hartsburg, Ardita Roark and husband JR of Eureka and Richard Heckemeyer of Lake Ozark; 10 grandchildren, Levi Wiggins, Kayla Queen, Alix, Paige, Elizabeth and Heidi Heckemeyer, Kayla and Megan Oleson, Aleksa and Kelby Roark; and six great-grandchildren, Lyila and Carsen Wiggins, Jason and Mason Gibbs, and Bailey and Sadie Queen. He is also survived by one sister, Irene (Heckemeyer) Foster and husband Bill of Jefferson City, and four brothers, Gene Heckemeyer and wife Dianne of St. Elizabeth, Pat Heckemeyer of St. Elizabeth, Richard Heckemeyer and wife Jan of St. Thomas, and Jim Heckemeyer and wife Karen of Ashland; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 16, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth with Fr. Joby Thomas officiating. Interment will be held in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or to St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.