Bernardine Francis Hecker

Bernardine Hecker, age 98, of Heron Lake, Minnesota entered into rest on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Windom, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Bernardine Francis Hecker, daughter of Leo and Anne (Krause) Bentler, on May 7, 1922 in Randall, Minnesota. She graduated from St. Francis High School in Little Falls, Minnesota in 1940. Upon graduation, Bernardine attended St. Cloud State earning her degree in primary education in 1942. In 1945, she accepted a teaching position in Heron Lake as a first and second grade teacher. Bernardine was united in marriage to Kermit Hecker, on March 17, 1947 in Wisconsin. She continued to teach until 1951, when she retired in anticipation of their daughter, Lee, who was born in December. Their son, Scott was born in 1953. After the children were grown, Bernardine returned to work in 1970, as a teacher’s aide at the Heron Lake Elementary School, where she continued to work until her retirement in 1991. Upon Kermit’s passing in August of 2003, Bernardine remained living in their home. In September 2020, Bernardine became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Windom, Minnesota, where she passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at the age of 98 years, 5 months, and 13 days.

Bernardine was always happy to host and entertain family gathering. She loved camping and flower gardening in her younger years. Bernardine enjoyed sewing, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and watching Wheel of Fortune. She was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins, watching every game she could. Her son Scott took her to a Twin’s game when she was 91. Although she was glad to have the experience of going to a game, Bernardine said she never wanted to attend another one. Bernardine has left a lifetime of memories for her family and friends to cherish.

Bernardine is survived by her daughter Lee (Steve) Bornhoft of Heron Lake; her son Scott Hecker of Heron Lake; grandchildren Tony (Marie) Bornhoft of Windom and Ginny (Jake) Caldwell of Windom; 4 great grandchildren, her best friend and companion dog Weezie.

Bernardine is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Kermit; her parent’s Leo and Anne, and her 2 brothers, Leo, and Lloyd.

Blessed be the memory of Bernardine Francis Hecker.

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