Daniel Hecker

1964 - 2018

Daniel Hecker

Daniel Hecker, 53, of Highland, IL, born the third of four children in a closely-knit family, on December 4, 1964, died at Missouri Baptist Hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

The empty, dirt-filled lots adjacent to childhood homes in Fairview Heights and Belleville fostered his appreciation of anything that had a motor or which could be used to fix one. He progressed from one motorcycle to another, racing dirt bikes when he was younger, and most recently, cruising around on one of his Harley Davidson's. While attending Belleville East High School, from which he graduated in 1983, it was clear Dan had a gift for fixing anything with wheels. From the Chevy Vega he drove in high school to his beloved Ram Truck, whatever he drove was always spotless. During his days working the second shift as a mechanic for Ameren, he was known to arrive home in the late hours of the evening, flip on the radio and tinker in the garage or detail one of his cars. Everything he owned had its place and was painstakingly polished to the condition in which he acquired it. Dan was meticulous and all who knew him would swear he caught the dust before it landed on one of his vehicles.

But while Dan had definite affection for his stuff, what he loved more than anything was his family and friends.

His thick crop of black hair and neatly-appointed mustache were trademark, as was his sharp wit and easy laugh. Dan rarely found himself at a loss for a clever comeback, and was sure to keep those around him laughing. He was as generous with his time and his affection as he was with his humor.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Marie Hecker, who died Sept. 27, 2017; and his brother, Michael who died on Dec. 18, 2014. Both shared Dan's love of people and laughter.

Dan is survived by the love of his life, Teresa Hecker (nee Mitchell), whom he wed on February 26, 2007; a stepson, Derek Mitchell; his father, Donald Hecker of New Baden, IL; sister, Donna Hecker of St. Louis Park, MN; brother, Kevin (Beth) Hecker of Springfield, IL; nephew, Collin Hecker; nieces, Caitlin and Keeley Hecker, all of Springfield, IL; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Additional memories and condolences may be shared online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com

Visitation: Friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Lake View Funeral Home, located at 5000 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

Services: All services will be held following the visitation immediately at 12 p.m., Lake View Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.

LAKE VIEW FUNERAL HOME, Fairview Heights, IL.