Patrick Hecker

Patrick Hecker Sr. age 89, of Moorhead, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in his home.

Patrick was born on December 12, 1935, in Belfield, ND. He was the third in a family of seven growing up on the family farm, north of Belfield. He graduated from Belfield High School in 1954. Upon graduation he joined the Navy for a four year enlistment, 1954 - 1958. He was stationed in Oklahoma, Florida, and Alaska. Upon honorable discharge, Patrick and a school mate, Elliot Lindbo at the age of 22, purchased French Peugeot, 10 speed bikes and bicycled from San Francisco CA, to Belfield, ND camping out at night. Their picture is on display in the Bismarck, ND Museum.

Patrick married the love of his life, Marilyn Hegel, of rural Belfield on August 22, 1959, and together they raised four boys. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family during their younger years. They were married for 61 years.

Patrick attended the ND State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, earning an associate degree in Civil Engineering and was later employed by the City of Moorhead.

Patrick later enrolled in the Petroleum Engineering program at the State College of Science, Wahpeton, earning an associate degree. Upon completion, he worked as a production operator for Missouri Basin Well Service Company, Belfield, ND, and then Conoco, a major oil service company in Westhope, ND. Upon returning to Moorhead, he worked for the Clay County Highway Department until he retired.

His sons were active in the Moorhead hockey program at Squirt, Peewee and Bantam levels. Patrick was involved in Scouting, serving in a leadership role with both the Cub Scout & Boy Scout Programs of America for 15 years. He served as Assistant Scout Master for Troop 627 and an earlier troop prior. Two of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and two the rank of Life, the second highest rank in scouting.

Patrick was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the Moorhead Knights of Columbus #4463, where he was a proud 4th degree Knight.

Patrick is survived by his sons, Doug, Michael (Lorae), Bradley (Tammy); daughter-in-law, Becky; grandchildren, Devin (Erika), Brandon, Alex, Anna, Brady, and Gracey Hecker, and Joshua (Ashlie) Blair; brothers, John, Jim, and Don Hecker, and sister Grace Hatfield; childhood friend, James Schaff, and many other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; son, Patrick “Jake” Hecker; sister, Lee McCulloch, and brother, Roger Hecker, his parents John & Sabina Hecker, and childhood friend Elliot Lindbo.

The family would like to thank Hearts in Action Hospice (HIA), Home Instead Senior Living, Essentia Home Health, Dr. Bassim Kobrossy, Essentia Medical Oncology Fargo, ND, and Dr. Jacob Orme, MD. PH.D. Department of Oncology, MAYO Clinic, Rochester, MN, for the great care they provided these past two years. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to HIA Hospice, Fargo, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Patrick's page. 

Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.