John Stanley Heckert

John Stanley Heckert, 81 of Stevensville passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at his home in the care of his family.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106. Friends may meet with the family from 10 – 11 AM on Tuesday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Final resting place will be in Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph MI 49085 or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville MI 49127. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com. 

John was born on January 31, 1943 in Edmundton, Alberta, Canada, the son of the late Emil and Amilda Heckert. On July 25, 1970 he married Karen Gunkel. John served in the United States Navy on the USS Furse for two years during the Vietnam Conflict and then two years with the reserves. He was an active member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 for over 25 years. Her served as Sargent of Arms for many years and helped out any way he could.  He was proud to be an American veteran.

John was a plumber-pipefittter by trade. He became the Business Manager for Local 513 later on and then Business Agent for Local 357 when Benton Harbor and Kalamzoo locals merged. John enjoyed watching NASCAR, working in his yard, golfing and fishing. If anyone needed help or something fixed, John was always there to help.  

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Karen; sons: Brian Heckert and Todd (Jeanette Hearn) Heckert; grandson: Deacon Heckert; sisters-in-law: Diana Thomas and Verna Heckert and a brother-in-law: Ron Burkett; many nieces and nephews. 

John was also preceded in death by his step-mother: Elfriede Heckert; brother: William Heckert and a sister, Clara Heckert. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.