Alan Ray Heckroth

Alan Heckroth passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the age of 72.  He was battling ALS and passed peacefully at home with his loved ones around him.

Alan was born July 11, 1951 and was a longtime resident of Chandler Township.  Al graduated from Laker High School in 1969 and stayed to work on the family farm until his father retired.  He worked in Elkton at Agri Sales (later ADM) and then worked at the Pigeon Co-Op in the colored bean plant until his retirement last year.  Al loved being active and staying busy and was ALWAYS mowing the lawn.

When we think of Al, so many things come to mind.  His deep love for his kids and grandkids, his love of practical jokes and making people laugh.  His love of singing and dancing and shopping – Lord, that man could shop!  Al was a kind man with a generous heart and was always willing to help others.  Al loved anything to do with World War II and when he became home-bound, it was all he watched.  Al watched so many movies, he had to go to ones with subtitles for something new.  At the time of his passing, he should have been fluent in German, Russian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.  He skipped the ones in French.  On August 24, 2019, he married long-time love Deborah Henne.

Al is survived by his wife Deborah; children Chris (Benee) Heckroth of Marysville, Nicole Leggier of Caseville and stepdaughter Stephanie (Niq) Johnson of Owendale; grandchildren Angelina, Melanie, Roman and Arianna; brother Roger (Michelle) Heckroth of Georgetown, TX; sister Carol (James) Carter of Portage; brother and sisters-in-law with many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly; also special pets Duncan, Ember and Gizmo.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Ruth Heckroth.

A memorial service will be 11:00am Saturday, January 6, 2024 at St. Paul Methodist Church in Elkton.  Visitation will be 2-8 Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Champagne Funeral Chapel and on Saturday January 6th at 10:00am until the time of the service at church.