Heck, Gena Lynn 1944-2007

HECK, AGNON, BIXBY, KURTZ

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2008 at 20:32:33

Gena Lynn Heck was born on Nov. 7, 1944 in Davenport. She lived with her mother for 18 months before being placed in a boarding home. A year later she was placed in the American Home Finding facility in Ottumwa and then in the Annie Wittenmeyer Home in Dubuque. In 1954 she was adopted by George and Helen Heck of Columbia. In April 1958, Gena was taken to the Mount Pleasant Mental Health Institute. The adoption was annulled in 1959.

Gena resided in a number of county and state institutions from 1958 to 1998 including institutions in Woodward, Marion County, Van Buren County, Independence, Waterloo, Newton and Glenwood. Marion County Sheriff Marvin Van Haaften was appointed her guardian in 1985. In 1998, Gena was moved to Pacific Place, a group home in Pacific Junction near Glenwood. She did well at Pacific Place and spent the best years of her life there, due to a homelike atmosphere and caring staff who became family to her.

Gena passed away on April 8, 2007, Easter evening, at her group home following a battle with cancer. She was 62 years old.

Survivors include her mother's half sister Judith Kurtz of Davenport, Robert Bixby of Davenport, husband of her mother's half sister Karol, and Marilyn (Harold) Moon of Knoxville, a cousin from her adoptive family.

Gena was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanne Agnon of California, and her mother's half sister, Karol Bixby of Davenport.

Gena enjoyed the staff and activities at her group home and also enjoyed the yearly visits to her guardian's home. She was always concerned about others and liked to share whatever she had.

Gena expressed faith in Jesus as her Savior and will be buried in the Sandridge Cemetery north of Pella following a graveside service.

The Knoxville Journal Express, May 18, 2007