William A. Hecker, 64
November 21, 1947 — March 15, 2012
Niles Daily Star, Published online 6:10pm Sunday, March 18, 2012
William Hecker, 64, of South Bend, Ind., and formerly of Niles, died Thursday, March 15, 2012, at his home, unexpectedly, but of natural causes.
He was born on Nov. 21, 1947, in Niles to William and Helen (Cody) Hecker. He graduated from Niles High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in history from Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo). He retired from Brandywine Public Schools, Niles following many years of teaching. Bill enjoyed teaching. He also enjoyed collecting antiques, reading about history and studying genealogy. He had a special fondness for pets, especially the larger dog breeds.
He is survived by several cousins, including Bonnie (and Kent) Ramsey of South Bend; a life-long friend, Mike Drennan of Niles and all of Mike’s family including his son, Matt; and Bill’s companion, Greg Martin of South Bend.
Services for Bill Hecker will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with Pastor Kenneth Peterson of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, South Bend officiating.
Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday. Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Pet Refuge.