Heck, Jerald Dwayne 1938-2004

HECK, BRAWDY, BELL

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/1/2008 at 20:53:15

Funeral services for Jerald Dwayne Heck, 65, of Pleasantville, who died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, were held Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville. Pastor Don Hill officiated at the services. Joann Heaberlin was organist.

Interment was at Palo Alto Cemetery in rural Jasper County. Casketbearers were Mark Bell, Mike Bell, Roger Bell, Mike Mohler, Merwin Rexroat, and Tim Woodyard.

Jerald was born on May 7, 1938, in Knoxville, the son of James Mathias Heck and Murel Alice (Brawdy) Heck. He was raised in Knoxville and attended school there.

As a young man he worked construction, which he thoroughly enjoyed because he loved to be outdoors. On Nov. 9, 1956 he married Alyce Bell in Monroe. The couple made their home in Newton.

Jerald acquired many trades through the years, having worked in television repair, camper maintenance and as a machinist. In 1972 Jerald and Alyce moved their family to the Pleasantville area. In later years Jerald went to work at Maytag in addition to farming. He retired from Maytag in June of 2000.

He had many interests, including tinkering on old motors and refinishing antiques for Alyce's shop. He encouraged all the children to learn an instrument, and he had a passion for music that included listening to everything from opera to country. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when he was at the cabin in Minnesota that he and the boys had built. His greatest joy in life was his family; he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Steve.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Alyce; a daughter, Renee Rockwell of Urbandale; three sons, Jerry of Pleasantville; Jim of Knoxville, and Tim of Altoona; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister, Shirley Sheaffer of Tonganoxie, Kan. and many other family members and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Pleasantville Fire and Rescue Units or American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made by Mason Funeral Home.

The Knoxville Journal Express, January 9, 2004