Dan was born to Donald and Marie (nee Hernandez) Hecker, the third of four children in a closely-knit family, on Dec. 4, 1964.
The empty, dirt-filled lots adjacent to childhood homes in Fairview Heights and Belleville fostered his appreciation of anything that had a motor or which could be used to fix one. He progressed from one motorcycle to another, racing dirt bikes when he was younger, and most recently, cruising around on one of his Harley Davidsons. While attending Belleville East High School, from which he graduated in 1983, it was clear Dan had a gift for fixing anything with wheels. From the Chevy Vega he drove in high school to his beloved Ram Truck, whatever he drove was always spotless. During his days working the second shift as a mechanic for Ameren, he was known to arrive home in the late hours of the evening, flip on the radio and tinker in the garage or detail one of his cars. Everything he owned had its place and was painstakingly polished to the condition in which he acquired it. Dan was meticulous and all who knew him would swear he caught the dust before it landed on one of his vehicles.
But while Dan had definite affection for his stuff, what he loved more than anything was his family and friends.
His thick crop of black hair and neatly-appointed mustache were trademark, as was his sharp wit and easy laugh. Dan rarely found himself at a loss for a clever comeback, and was sure to keep those around him laughing. He was as generous with his time and his affection as he was with his humor.
Dan is surivived by the love of his life, Teresa Hecker (nee Mitchell), whom he wed on 2/26/07, and a step son Derek Mitchell. Also surviving are his father, Donald Hecker of New Baden, IL; sister Donna Hecker of St. Louis Park, MN.; brother Kevin (Beth) Hecker of Springfield, IL; nephew Collin Hecker and nieces Caitlin and Keeley Hecker, all of Springfield, IL; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.
Preceeding Dan in death were his beloved mother Marie Hecker, who died Sept. 27, 2017 and his brother, Michael who died on Dec. 18, 2014. Both shared Dan's love of people and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Additional memories and condolences may be shared online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com
Visitation: Friends and family may visit from 10:00am until 12:00pm, Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Lake View Funeral Home, located at 5000 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.
Funeral Service: All services will be held following the visitation immediately at 12:00 PM, Lake View Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL
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