Joseph Van Hecke Sr.

VAN HECKE
Joseph E. Van Hecke Sr. was born in San Antonio, Texas, June 27th, 1926. Joe passed away at the age of 84, on Thursday, September 16th in the presence of his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfons Van Hecke of Eksarrde, Belgium, and Melanie Aelvoet Van Hecke of Neukerke, Belgium, two young sons Thomas and James, and two grandchildren James Pue and April Van Hecke. Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years Laurine Verstuyft Van Hecke, 7 children and their spouses; Joan and Don Weilbacher, Nancy and Arthur Pue, Joseph Jr. and Vicki Van Hecke, Rosemary and James Paul Bonner, Michael and Annette Van Hecke, Billy and Missy Van Hecke, and Elaine and James Sullivan. Joe was also a proud grandfather of 17, and great-grandfather of 3. He has one sister, Gabriella Riek, who presently resides in Taylor, Texas. Even though she is his big sister, Joe thought of, and cared for her like his little sister. Joe is survived by 5 sister-in-laws that he loved. He will be fondly remembered as "Uncle Joe" to numerous nieces and nephews. Joe shared the joys and sorrows of his life, for 50 years with his truest friend, a man he called his brother, Raymond "R.C." Lopez. Joe started farming as a young boy with his father in San Antonio in what is known to the Belgian community as the "Salow." The farm was thirty acres of land purchased from the Brackenridge Estate. Mules were used on the farm until a tractor was purchased in 1945. Joe spent time walking behind mules until then. He also helped in broadcasting seeds and planting by hand. He quickly learned marketing from his mother by getting up at 5:00 a.m. to ready vegetables for market. Joe attended Tech and Central Catholic High School, but necessity forced him to drop out to help run the family farm at the age of 15. He was never able to complete a formal education, but despite that, is fluent in 3 languages. Joe married the love of his life, Laurine, in 1951. They started their life together working on the family farm. Times on the farm became extremely hard. It became difficult to provide for the family therefore, Joe took a night job at Pioneer Flour Mill to help supplement income. In 1969, Joe and Laurine opened Little Joe's Ice House, then Little Joe's Trailor Park in 1972, followed by Country Gold Dance Hall in 1979. Joe became a successful businessman on the city's southwest side and a leader in the community. He is a friend to all law enforcement and proud to have two grandsons and a great neice on the S.A.P.D., and two retired S.A.P.D. officers as his son-in-laws. In 1996, Joe earned the high honor of being commissioned as an Admiral of the Texas Navy by then governor, George W. Bush, and Senate Proclaimation by Senator Frank Madla. Joe was a charter member of the Belgian American Club, sponsored Star Chapter Farmer and Star Greenhand FFA for the past 39 years, and supporter of numerous community charity events and projects. Joe was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Joe will always be remembered as being a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He worked tirelessly in his business to provide for his family, up to the week of his passing. He was truly an honorable man with a big heart that he shared with his family and community. He was an admired mentor and role model for everyone who knew and loved him. He was known to many by his nickname "Little Joe", and though short in stature, he was the biggest man we ever knew. Pallbearers (grandsons): Daniel Pue, Joseph Van Hecke III, Travis Bonner, Kevin Van Hecke, Kris Maurice, Justin Sullivan, Jordan Sullivan. Honorary Pallbearers (grandsons currently out of the country honor their grandfather in spirit): Dr. Thomas Weilbacher, Australia, and Michael Pue, Germany. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belgian-American Club or charity of choice, if desired. Visitation will be held at the The Angelus Chapel on Sunday, September 19th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rosary will then be recited on Sunday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be offered Monday, September 20th at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, 1147 Cupples Rd. Interment will follow at San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery No.2. Condolences may be sent to the Van Hecke family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com Arrangements by: