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Lyle Hecklinger Obituary
Lyle W. Hecklinger PhD died Saturday, February 15, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born in Monroe, Michigan, on April 30, 1941, growing up in Temperance where he began his musical career. He graduated from the University of Michigan with three degrees in music, the last was Doctorate in Musical Arts. He was a recipient of the Palmer Christian award, given for excellence in performance and scholarship. In addition to music, Lyle was licensed in Ohio as a CPA and was employed full time in non-profit and governmental organizations. He began playing the organ professionally at age 11 in the Lutheran Church in Temperance which was founded by his German immigrant grandparents. A lifelong organist, he played for multiple churches and faiths, retiring from St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in 2014. He had been their much-loved organist and choirmaster for 17 years. He was the past dean of the Toledo chapter of the Guild of Organists. Lyle was a humble and unassuming person. He was far more educated, knowledgeable, and worldly than anyone would have known. He enjoyed Michigan football, the Broadway series, the Toledo Symphony, going to lunch and playing cards, and most of all, walking his beloved dog, Katie. He had many friends and will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his parents, Herbert Hecklinger and Helen Danzeisen Hecklinger; his sister, Loretta Ann Kesler; life partner, Bob Borgelt; and his corgis, Maggie and Betsy. He leaves behind special friends, Barb Grummel, Sally Keller, Tim Williams, Dave Sumner; and his faithful companion, Katie. Lyle, you left us so quickly we never had time to imagine life without you. We promise to love and care for Katie. We love you; we will miss you, goodbye for now my friend, we will see you on the other side.
Come and celebrate Lyle's life with us, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the community room at Waterside Monclova, 12:00-3:00 pm, 7062 Longwater Dr., Maumee, OH 43537. As a tribute to Lyle's passion for music, he requested memorial donations to the music scholarship fund at the University of Michigan. Donations can be made online under the tribute and memorial gifts or mailed to the University of Michigan Gifts and Records, 3003 S. State St. Ste. 8000, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1288 in memory of Lyle, to be directed to the College of Music scholarship fund. He lives on forever in our hearts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lyle Hecklinger
4 Entries
Arthur D Goldstein
May 13, 2025
I knew Lyle through my wife's brother, Bob. Whenever we saw Lyle, he had a warm smile and a self-deprecating laugh, and you knew you were talking to a nice person. At one time, they (Bob & Lyle) had a grand harpsichord in the living room, and no matter how much I pestered him wouldn't play it, out of sheer modesty, but he loved playing the organ at the churches around Toledo. He loved his dogs and going to the horse shows. He will be missed.
Cheryl Thrasher
April 25, 2025
I remember as a child my Uncle Lyle stepped up and took me to the movies and horseback riding. As a very young child, I remember going to almost all of his recitals for his Masters and Doctorate degrees. As a family we went up to the cottage that Uncle Lyle and Bob had rented at the lake many times most summers. I remember when he had the chance to go overseas and study as well. I remember all of the card games we played on Sunday afternoons after we ate dinner. I still remember the year my Uncle cooked the ham and how good it was with mandarin oranges vs pineapple.
Ruthann (Wollenschlager) Flickinger
April 15, 2025
My dad and his were best friends and we went to his sisters´ confirmation. Think my dad was her God FatherWe did visit few times. Prayers to his friends and family. I remember going to see him at church playing either piano or organ. He was outstanding. Rest in Heaven Lyle
Joanne
April 13, 2025
So sorry and sending prayers. Lyle was a great person and fun lunch buddy with his former work friends.
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