Jerald Heckert

Jerald Lowell Heckert, age 75 of Alexandria, MN went to be with the Lord on October 29, 2016. He died peacefully surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with heart failure. Jerry's visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 2, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service at First Lutheran Church, 822 Douglas Street. The Celebration of Life service on Thursday, November 3, 2016 begins at 11:00 AM.

Jerald Lowell Heckert was born April 10, 1941, on his family farm outside of Springfield, MN, to Henry and Violet (Elg) Heckert. He attended high school in Comfrey, MN. After graduation, "Jerry" enlisted and served in the United States Air Force for four years. While stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, he met and married Donna Sonderman of Portsmouth, IA on April 26, 1962. After a brief time in Omaha, the couple moved to Mankato, MN where Jerry attended Mankato State University earning both his undergraduate and Master's Degree. Upon completing college, he and Donna moved to Alexandria, MN where Jerry began his career as an accounting instructor at the Alexandria Technical College. After 32 years of instructing students, Jerry retired from ATC in 1998.

Through the years, Jerry and Donna traveled throughout the United States and Europe. He was a member of the Elks Club, VFW, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and the Alexandria Shrine Club. Jerry and Donna were long-time members of First Lutheran Church. He loved his family, working with wood and working around his house. All of the grandchildren have a special toy box personalized by Grandpa and collections of $2 bills that he had handed out over the years. Jerry had a witty sense of humor and loved making people laugh and smile. He was an expert handyman and loved fixing things. He also enjoyed gardening, winters in Arizona, riding his motorcycles, grilling and making jerky and chili for those he loved. Jerry especially loved family gatherings.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Donna; son, Scott (Natalie) Heckert of Alexandria, and daughters, Jodi (Brian Kircher) Elness of Sartell, and Deb (Christian) DeVries of Mobile, AL; eight grandchildren, Isaac, Elijah, Alexis Heckert, Alex and Tyler Elness, and Mikaela, Brynn, and Macen DeVries; brothers, Donald and Alquin Heckert and sister Jeannette (Heckert) Carlson; many nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Violet Heckert; many aunts and uncles.

A special thank you to all our family and friends for your support and prayers during this difficult time. Jerry had a huge heart and loved all of you for being a part of his life. God Bless! Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.