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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
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John Heckenkemper Obituary
John Anthony Heckenkemper was born June 6, 1933 to William and Gertrude Heckenkemper. He passed away on March 30, 2021.
John graduated from Holy Family High School in Tulsa, OK, in 1951. He attended Oklahoma State University and began his teaching career. His dream of teaching at Bishop Kelley High School began, when they opened their doors in 1960. During his time at Bishop Kelley, he taught various subjects, most notably math, and coached basketball, boys' and girls' cross country, track, and field with some time as Athletic Director. In the 1960's John was an early proponent of girl's athletics and encouraged the start of it at school. During his cross-country coaching days they won 9 state championships. John was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Bishop Kelley Hall of Fame in 2004. He retired from Bishop Kelley in 1995.
Teaching was a vocation for John and coaching was a passion! He is remembered for his grueling morning workouts, driving kids to practice and hosting many, many team pizza dinners. John felt blessed to have worked along many memorable people and to have had thousands of wonderful students, many of whom are still friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill Heckenkemper; 2 sons, Timothy and Tony; and a daughter, Nan Edwards.
He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Bettie Jo; daughter, Jill; sons, Chris, Rick (Kim), and Greg (Shelley); 11 grandchildren; and 3 great- grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Lou LeBoeuf (Ron); brother- in-law, David Harrison (Carol); and 15 nieces and nephews.
Rosary will be held Thursday, April 8, 7:00 p.m. and funeral service Friday, April 9, 11:00 a.m., both at Christ the King Catholic Church. A livestream of the service will be available.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in John's honor to the RISE Program at Marquette School, 1519 S. Quincy, Tulsa, OK 74120, or Tuition Assistance at Bishop Kelley, 3905 S. Hudson Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135. Please mark in memo whether RISE or Tuition Assistance.
Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151 www.fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries
Donna Sposato Cannon
April 5, 2021
My family sends heartfelt condolences to the family. He taught my daughter Jennifer Honors Geometry at BKHS early 1990's. Thank you for everything! He was an exceptional person and role model for all. In fact, all the Heckenhempers I have ever known have always supported education, sports, and most of all our Catholic Faith. RIP, Coach.
Tim Romine
April 5, 2021
Our families grew up a block apart. He was a very special Dad indeed. I will always remember him outside playing sports with all the kids. He will be missed. Condolences from our family.
Fr. Matt Gerlach
April 5, 2021
Mr. Heckenkemper was such a gentleman; geometry was my favorite of the `maths´, likely because of him! May he rest in peace.
Mike Kneafsey
April 4, 2021
Awesome geometry teacher. Really improved my pool game when in HS.
JD Caldron
April 4, 2021
John was my math teacher at Bishop Kelly. He is remembered because he always treated me with respect. The world has lost a good man. Rest in Peace John.
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