Lawrence J. Heck

“Larry”

 

Age 75 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023 at Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois surrounded by family.

 

Born October 3, 1947 in Joliet, Illinois, Lawrence Joseph was a son of Arthur and Alpha (Sitter) Heck. He was raised and educated in Wilmington, graduating with the Class of 1965. He continued to Aurora Barber College before proudly entering into the United States Navy where he served stateside from 1968 to 1972, as a Ship’s Servicemen and barber, stationed in Kodiak, Alaska prior to his honorable discharge. 

 

After his time in the service, he made a home in Joliet and worked as a barber, owning and operating The Hair Hutch for 30 years. Following 9-11, Larry felt it was his duty to close his business and return to civil service, working for Homeland Security as a TSA agent at Midway Airport for numerous years.

 

Once an avid hunter and fisherman, Larry continued to enjoy the simpler things in life upon retirement in Wilmington, such as daily drives enjoying nature, sitting by the Kankakee river dam doing word-search puzzles, watching his favorite tv-show, TMZ, and relaxing with a cold vodka lemonade. 

 

He is survived by his loving children: son, Matthew Heck and daughter, Laura Heck; two grandchildren: Tyler Samuels and Alexis Samuels; two sisters: Marlene (the late Herb) Akins and Joanna (Glenn) Schwartz; sister-in-law: Carol Heck, and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as his former wife and the mother of his children, Carmen Heck.

 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Anna Ward, Dora Wilson and Mary Ruth (Bud) Bullock; and two brothers: John (Sandy) Heck and Art Heck. 

 

Per Larry’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

 

Private family services were held in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Larry was laid to rest with military honors. Reverend Sebastian Gargol from St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington presided.

 

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)