Dorothy Heckman

Dorothy Heckman, 94, was welcomed into Christ’s presence while surrounded by all of her children on Saturday, March 6, 2021.

She was born on December 6, 1926, in Decatur, Indiana to the late Theodore Ewell and the late Clara (Macke) Ewell. She was united in marriage to Gerhard “Gary” Heckman on September 9, 1945 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble. They enjoyed 74 amazing years together before Gary’s passing on March 27, 2020.

Dorothy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim where she was active in the LWML, Altar Guild, Tabea Society and sang in the church choir for many years.  She was also a member of Sunny Circle Home Ec. Club.

She faithfully served her family as a homemaker and was employed at Fort Wayne Wire Die, and later at Sandpoint TV Service Company.

Dorothy enjoyed bowling, golfing, cards, and playing dice with her family and friends.

She is survived by three daughters, Mary Fredrick of Fort Wayne, Sherril (Jeff) Bradtmueller of Hoagland, and Sandy (Allan) Graft of Ossian; two sons, Jim (Ruth) Heckman of Decatur and Mike (Jaime) Heckman of Ossian; two brothers, Marvin Ewell and Ralph (Sharon) Ewell both of Decatur; sister, Eldora Fuelling of Decatur; ten grandchildren, Lisa (Dave) Roemer, Amy (Dave) Crow, Cathy (Brian) Terhune, Mark (Jill Smith) Linker, Scott Graft, Ryan (Maria) Graft, Andrew (Sara) Heckman, Kari (Adam) Butcher, Colleen Wilsey, and Cameron Wilsey; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Dan Jeffrey; granddaughter, Katie Heckman; great-grandson, Conner Terhune; sister, Alverna Reinking; and a sister in childhood, Marlene Ewell.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim with Pastor Daniel Dahling officiating. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim.

Friends and family will be received from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021,  at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. For everyone’s health and safety, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.

Preferred memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim Expansion Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana