Heck, Gary M.

HIAWATHA - Gary M. Heck, 64, of 1225 Emmons St., Hiawatha, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at his home. Services, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids. Private inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel.

Surviving to honor his memory are his children, Angela (Mark) Schultz of Davenport, Christopher (Kristin) Heck of Cedar Rapids, Diann (Jeff) Timmerman of Balaton, Minn., and Michael Heck of Hiawatha; eight grandchildren, Katie, Thomas, and Alex Schultz, Nicholas, Lucas, Mathew and Jacob Timmerman, and Cora Heck; two brothers, Arnold (Edna) Heck and Donald (Joan) Heck; a sister, Shirley Heck, and a brother-in-law, Albert Cejka, all of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Heck; and sister, Janet Cejka.

Gary was born Sept. 10, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, to Ursil and Hilda (Seiler) Heck. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. During his tour in Vietnam he landed in Tan Son Nhut for a week, then convoyed to Cu Chi overnight, then to Tay Ninh, from there to Chu Lai, and later departed from Cam Rahn Bay returning to the U.S. He was employed at Cedarapids Inc. as a welder.

Gary's love for his family was only matched by the love of his country. He was a loving and generous man who was admired by all who knew him. He was an “excellent cook” and an avid Minnesota Vikings, Iowa Hawkeyes, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He had a tremendous love and pride for his family, especially his grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Military honors by VFW Post 788.

A memorial fund has been established.

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