Lyle W. Hecklinger

Lyle W. Hecklinger

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, Linda Tallman, Carol Fornia, and Judi Imhoff; 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.