Donald Heck

Donald Heck, Kulm ND, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2017, surrounded by his family while under Hospice care at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND. Donald was born in rural Dickey County, near Kulm on November 25, 1935 to Gottfried and Irene (Siewert) Heck. He was a lifelong farmer and eventually acquired the farm he grew up on. In 1958, he briefly left the farm for two years of military stationed in Arlington, VA where he survived a helicopter crash and served in color guards for presidents and foreign dignitaries.

Donald married Marlys Buer of Edgeley on October 6, 1961. He served on the German Township Board for 39 years, including the flood years of the 90’s when township work involved saving and raising many rural roads.

For many years, Donald, with Ralph Schultz and Reuben Wolf, enjoyed entertaining dancers and party-goers as “Da Heck mit Schultz” band. In recent years, Don and Ralph continued their entertaining in Yuma, AZ where they wintered. He never let anyone know he could sing until the band released their first album.

In addition to music, Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and games with family and friends -winning more often than not. He was known for his ingenuity in solving problems as he could design and build just about anything.

He is survived by his wife Marlys; son, Scott (Pat) of Rochester, MN, and daughter, Donna (Darren Dunlop) of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Kerri Pacholke (Danny) and Bryan Schnell (Rachel) and great-children, Mila & Keanen. Also surviving are sisters, Lillian Rost of Anamoose, ND; Florence Liekhus of Fargo, ND, and Doris Steiner (Norm) of Beaverton, OR; brothers, Harris (Violet) of Beaverton, OR, and Arnold (Sharon) of Anchorage, AK, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and brother-in-law’s Art Rost and Donald Liekhus.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the WDAY Honor Flight, American Legion, 308 Sheyenne Street, West Fargo, ND 58078.