Mathias J Hecker

Mathias “Mad Matt” J. Hecker Jr., 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Prairie Homes.

Matt was born on March 21, 1922 in Chicago to Mathias and Anna (Reidl) Hecker. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in England, France, Belgium and Germany. On August 8, 1953 Matt married Shirley Kolb at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Menasha. Matt retired from Central Paper after 45 years of service. He enjoyed roller skating, deer hunting, the Packers, EAA, riding his motorcycle, gardening, feeding the birds and ducks and walking through the neighborhood visiting with people. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and those memories will always be cherished. Matt was a member of the Fox Valley Rod and Gun Club, Merrymakers Dance Club, and the Fox Cities Retires.

Matt is survived by his children; Steve, Linda (Wally) Wadel, Sandy (Bob) Mader, Mike (Kathy) and Chris (Iye), seven grandchildren; Alex, Terra, Todd, Kelly, Michael, Taylor and Mattie, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley, two brothers; Jerry (Mary) and Norbert (Dory) Hecker, a sister, Marian Hecker, a brother-in-law, Charles Kolb and a sister-in-law, Jane (Merrill) Burmeister.

The funeral liturgy will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 PM at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH (528 Second St. Menasha) with Fr. Paider officiating. Entombment will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Menasha. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 18 from 9:30 until the time of the service at the church.

The family would like to extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to Prairie Homes directors and staff and Heartland Hospice especially Lisa and Nicole, your care and support for Dad was wonderful and words cannot express our gratitude for everything you have done.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231