William Heckenbach

OBITUARY FOR WILLIAM EDWARD HECKENBACH OCTOBER 5, 1926 TO JUNE 6, 2017 William Edward Heckenbach was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 5, 1926 as the second son of Herold and Mildred Heckenbach. He joined his beloved bride, Phyllis, on June 6, 2017. Bill and his brother, Herold, Jr. were raised in a Chicago neighborhood near the northwestern city limits. The Forest Preserve near their home served as a setting for a lot of outdoor adventures. He is survived by his four children, David, Mark (Sandy), Paul (Linda) and Gretchen (David) as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Bill graduated from High School in 1944 and always joked that he was in the top 99% of his class; although anyone that knew him quickly became aware of his truly remarkable high level of intelligence. One of his fears was that World War II might end before he graduated and he wanted so desperately to serve his country that he immediately enlisted in the Navy after graduation and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Navy first in 1946. He joined the Navy Reserves in 1950, was called up for Active Duty during the Korean Conflict and was again Honorably discharged in 1954. In September 1946, Bill, grateful for the GI Bill, continued his education at the University of Illinois. While still a freshman, he met Phyllis Brandt at a Lutheran Student Association meeting. Her very first words to him were, †œWELL, PARDON ME!†� as he stepped on her toes. He has always believed that God placed Phyllis in his life forever. Their marriage in 1948 lasted almost 66 years until God called Phyllis home in April of 2014. While at the University of Illinois Bill became a member of Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honor Society) and Chi Gamma Iota (GI Honorary Society). After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1949, Bill and Phyl moved to Aspen, Colorado. Small-town life was not for them so they packed up their 1938 Ford and moved to Denver, Colorado. Bill worked in the Life Insurance Business for almost 40 years. He earned several fellowship awards in various insurance disciplines (FLMI). He also became a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU). He participated in developing various insurance software programs that were used in the life insurance industry. Bill also took an active role in business and community activities during his working years. He was the business advisor to a Junior Achievement company which won a national award. He was a member of the National Office Manager†™s Association (NOMA) for years and was also a past president of the Lakewood Lions Club. He taught insurance classes at Emily Griffith School. After retiring in 1988, Bill did some †œtrouble shooting†� consulting work with his former employer. He also became active in VFW Post 4171 after retirement and was a member of the †œAll Veteran Honor Guard†�; and he also became a †œhelpline†� counselor for the Alzheimer†™s Association for 13 years. Outside of business activities he taught Sunday School classes and became a Deacon and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Bill liked to hike in the mountains and would attack trout in high mountain lakes; many times taking his children, some of whom loved it and some of whom, not so much! Phyl and Bill ended up with four horses, three dogs and lots of cats. Their children were encouraged to participate in various Jefferson County 4-H projects such as horse, dog and rocketry programs. He felt he was very fortunate that God placed Phyllis by his side as his bride. From his example, his four children learned what it means to unconditionally love and his gentleness was evident to all who had the honor to know him. He left this world a better place and with absolute certainty that he was soon to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Phyllis and all the many he loved and who loved him who had been called home before him. Those of us still here can know that he is helping our Lord prepare a place for all of us with his bride Phyllis right beside him. Bill†™s Memorial Service with Military Honors will commence this Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church on the corner of W. 20th Ave. and Simms in Lakewood at 12:30 p.m. The address is 11500 W 20th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215. Memorials may be sent to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Alzheimer†™s Association or the charity of the donor†™s choice.