Gene M. Heckaman
Gene M. Heckaman, age 75, of Wakarusa, died at 5:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa. He was born Aug. 27, 1940 in Goshen to Ivo “Pete” and Mona Lou “Motz” (Slabaugh) Heckaman.
Heckaman lived his lifetime in the Nappanee/Wakarusa area. He was a 1958 graduate of Nappanee High School and graduated in 1962 from Hanover College, where he was All American College Football Player. He married Janet Culp, Aug. 9, 1959 in Nappanee.
Heckaman was a home builder. He founded and was president of Heckaman Homes in Nappanee from 1969-1982. He was a former member and past president of Nappanee Jaycees and was very involved in the Nappanee Centennial Celebration. Gene’s number one priority was his family and grandkids. He was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Bear football fan. Gene had a wonderful sense of humor and will be remembered for his generosity to others.
Surviving is his wife, Janet; children, Kami L. Heckaman, Wakarusa, Kevin (Phyllis) Heckaman, Wakarusa, Kent (Ana) Heckaman, Fairfax, VA; grandchildren, Griffin, Chase, Jenny, Sara, John; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Linda Swank, Syracuse; and brother, Kim (Melinda) Heckaman, Nappanee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry Heckaman.
Family and friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. Rev. Tom Schiefer will officiate and burial will be in Hepton Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Brethren Church in Nappanee.