Emil John Heck

Emil John Heck, 96, of Cass City, formerly of Harrison, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Northwood Meadows in Cass City.

Emil was born March 4, 1926 in Owendale to the late John and Irene (Errer) Heck. He served in the US Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater between 1944 and 1946. He worked as a farmer and journeyman tool and die. He married Fern Heck and raised his family near Elkton. After Fern died in 1983 he married Catherine Melnik and moved near Ubly. Later he moved to his cabin in the woods in Harrison.

Emil is survived by his children William of Bad Axe and Anna King of Harrison; grandchildren Ann Orton, Justin (Andrea) King, Lucas King, Stephen King, Anettamarie (Matthew) King, Ricky Kula, Jennifer (Kyle) Kula, Megan (Jake) Kula; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews; step-children Charles Melnik, Patricia (Ray) Cole, James (Diane) Melnik, Donald (Michelle) Melnik, Gary (Brenda) Melnik, Ken (Leslie) Melnik, and Maureen Gentner; step-daughter-in-law Cindy Melnik; 21 step grandchildren Michelle Melnik, Steven Mausolf Jr., Rhonda (Tommy) Walsh, Kimberly (Nick) Maldonado, Sarah (Alex) Ramas, Jeremy (Nicole) Melnik, Nathan Melnik, Shannon (Raymond) Melnik-Ortiz, Daniel (Lisa) Melnik, Aaron (Kari) Melnik, Michael Melnik (Amanda), Jason Melnik, Ronald Jay Melnik (Aleigha), Courtney Melnik (Ben) French (Erin) Melnik, Henry Melnik, Tiffany (Ryan) Roy, Miranda Gentner (Andy), Autumn Gentner, and Jenna Bristol; 26 step-great-grandchildren Zachery, Jude, Maeve, Cedric, Chloe, Emma, Claire, Hannah, Tyler, Kaileigh, McKenzie, Sophia, Cyless, Allison, Jacob, Evelyn, Hunter, Scarlett, Alyssa, Carter, Peyton, Rylee, Greyson, Kendra, Taylor and Blakely.

He was preceded in death by his parents, both his wives Fern Heck and Catherine Melnik, son Michael Heck, daughter Emily Kula, step-son Ronald Melnik, and step-grandchild Renee Melnik.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm Wednesday, May 18th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Karen Bouverette officiating. Burial with military honors will be Grant Twp Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service.