Obit: Heckel, Alice L. (1923 – 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Heckel, Mengel, Berns, Castner, Donnerbauer, Rowe, Mannigel

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 13 Dec 2017

Heckel, Alice L. (19 NOV 1923 – 9 DEC 2017)

Alice L. Heckel, 94, Marshfield, passed away with family at her side, on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at House of the Dove, Marshfield. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield. Rev. Eric Berns officiated. Burial took place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Alice Mengel was born on Nov. 19, 1923, in Loyal, to Irvin and Jessie (nee Castner) Mengel and was a graduate of Loyal High School. After graduation, Alice traveled to Montana. Her heart laid in the west, and she returned as often as she could. Maybe it’s where her love for wearing hats started. She returned to Marshfield and married Carl Heckel on Jan. 29, 1944, at St. Bernard’s Rectory in Abbotsford. The couple purchased an 80-acre farm in Lincoln township. Gradually, they purchased three more farms, rented the houses and raised nine children. For all who knew Alice, she was a mother, housewife, landlord and dairy farmer. There was hardly time for much more but Alice was an artist at heart, sewing more than 100 intricate quilts and giving them away. She also enjoyed making fl owers grow which was so evident by the geraniums hanging on the north porch of her countryside home. She was an avid reader and had a personal collection of her favorite books. She enjoyed visitors stopping by and was always up for a good debate. One of her favorite vacations took place when she traveled west at the age of 75 and rode a horse on a trail ride through the hills of Wyoming. She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and the Parish Council of Catholic Women.

She is survived by her eight children: David (Amy Schmidt) Heckel of Marshfield, Michael (Karen Miller) Heckel of Marshfield, Rosemary (James) Donnerbauer of Wisconsin Rapids, Rita (Robert) Rowe of Nekoosa, Janice Heckel of Marshfield, Jennie Heckel of La Crosse, Lila (Larry) Mannigel of Spencer, and Gene (Aimee) Heckel of Casper, Wyo.; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Carl; her son, Norbert Heckel; and her five brothers and sisters. Her family is her legacy and the love she left behind.

Memorials may be designated for Masses at Our Lady of Peace Church.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.

Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.