Gerhard "Gary" Heckman

The family of Gary Heckman will host a memorial service Sunday, October 18 ^th at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church. Gary went to his heavenly home on March 27 at the age of 94. Please join us for this celebration of his life!

For everyone’s health and safety, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.

Preferred memorials are to Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church, Friedheim Expansion Fund or the donor’s choice.

Please see Gary's full obituary below.

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Gerhard “Gary” Heckman, 94, of Decatur, Indiana was welcomed into Christ’s presence Friday afternoon, March 27, 2020.

He was born on February 15, 1926 in Adams County, Indiana to Albert and Clara (Kiefer) Heckman. Gary was united in marriage to Dorothy Ewell on September 9, 1945 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble. They enjoyed 74 wonderful years together.

Gary was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim where he was a choir member for 50 years and a Sunday school teacher for many years. Gary was a strong man of faith and loved going to church.

He retired from Hardware Wholesales, Inc. (HWI) on August 1, 1989. Prior to that, he was co-owner of Sandpoint TV Service Company.

He loved bowling, golfing, playing cards and woodworking. Gary was an avid IU fan and Cincinnati Reds fan.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Heckman of Decatur; 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; brother, Delmar Heckman of Decatur; sister, Adele Blomenberg 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.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Dan Jeffrey; granddaughter, Katie Heckman; and sister, Elinor Moerman.

Due to guidelines established by the State of Indiana for COVID-19 and in following the family’s desires a private family service will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim. Private burial was held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim of rural Decatur, Indiana. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim Expansion Fund or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.