Darlene Joy (Johnson) Heckenbach (1930-2017)

HECKENBACH, JOHNSON, MARANDER, BATES, PAGE, BALDACCI, CHAFFEE

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/3/2017 at 10:41:42

From Stevens Memorial Chapel obituary, Ames, Story County, Iowa:

Darlene Heckenbach, age 87, of Ames, IA, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017. A memorial service will be held at a future date (yet to be determined) at Stevens Memorial Chapel (607 28th St., Ames, IA 50010).

Darlene was born on March 1, 1930 in Libertyville, Ill, the daughter of A.E. "Pop" and Esther (Marander) Johnson. She graduated from Libertyville High School, and continued her education attending Milwaukee Downer College in Wisconsin, Barat College in Illinois, and obtaining her Master's in Education from Iowa State University.

Darlene and Alan Heckenbach were united in marriage on November 7, 1969, bringing their four children together into a new family, living in Ames. The kids still lovingly refer to themselves as "the Hecken-bunch". Darlene worked for many years as an occupational therapist before pursuing her career as a learning disabilities teacher. Her devotion to educating children with learning disabilities was remarkable, her patience and caring nature for her students were remarkable. She continued to tutor privately, after retiring from the Ames Public Schools.

Darlene loved to be at Ten Mile Lake in northern Minnesota with her family; it was her little piece of heaven. Many summers were spent there enjoying their time together and creating everlasting memories. She adored her family and spent time volunteering as a Cub Scouts Den Mother, and Brownies Troop leader when the kids were young. Her house and yard, with a softball field, tree with a tire swing, and a playhouse and 'tree fort' in the large backyard was a neighborhood gathering place, helping secure her status as the "best mom on the block".

Darlene was an animal lover. Cats were her favorite, but she was willing to allow the kids to have any kind of pet as long as they would take care of it, which led to some interesting pets. She enjoyed arts and crafts, collecting antiques, and a good card trick. She was athletic; ice skating and tennis were among her favorite sports. She taught tennis for the Ames Parks & Recreation for several summers. She volunteered for the TTT Society, helping sponsor summer camps for less fortunate kids.

Survivors include her sons: Allan (Jane) Bates of Roseville, MN, Jeffrey Bates of Hackensack, MN; daughters: Kirsten (Randy) Page of Ames, and Karen (Steve) Baldacci of Channahon, Ill; grandchildren: Allan and 'Becca Bates & Sara and Natalie Chaffee-Bates.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Alan J. Heckenbach, former Professor of Mathematics at Iowa State.

Memorial contributions may be made in Darlene's name to the Ten Mile Lake Association or the National TTT (Tri T) Society.

http://www.stevensmemorialchapel.com/
 

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