Leroy Albert Heck
Leroy Albert Heck, age 94, of Mondovi passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. He was born on October 31, 1931, to Paul and Ottelie (Roetter) Heck, the youngest of their four sons. He was born like his brothers, at home on the family farm in German Valley, town of Albany. He was baptized on November 8, 1931, and confirmed in the Lord on May 14, 1944, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He attended the German Valley School District No. 3 Pepin County, a one-room schoolhouse that was next to the church. He graduated from Mondovi High School in 1949.
He married Joan Lucy Burlingane on February 22, 1953. Together they purchased the family farm and raised six children. Leroy was blessed by the Lord with all that was needed to properly manage and prosper the farm. Farming is an intensive occupation, but Leroy always took time for his family and neighbors. He is remembered with love by his children, Margaret (Donald) Ronnei, Ione (Charles) Stumpner, Elizabeth (Tom) Leasum, John (Lisa) Heck, Lorn (Julie) Heck, Emil (Anne) Heck; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marjorie Heck; and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan; parents, Paul and Ottelie; brothers, Armin, Earl and Marvin Heck; sister-in-law, Ruth Heck.
Later in life he enjoyed traveling. The St. Peter’s Lutheran Church closed in 1958, at that time Leroy and his family then became members of Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mondovi with Pastor Ross Fritz officiating. Visitation will be at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi from 4:00- 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Leroy will be laid to rest in the German Valley Cemetery next to his wife, Joan, who passed away in 2014.
To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com. The following is a poem that was written by Joan and printed in the Mondovi Herald Newspaper’s June Dairy Month Edition. It eloquently describes life on the dairy farm. Sounds of Spring on the Farm
by Joan Heck Meadow larks warbling, Robins tweeting, Sparrows chirping, Roosters crowing, Dogs barking, Time to be rising. Cows mooing, Footsteps crunching, Silo unloaders grinding, Milkers humming, Cats purring, Chores are going. Bacon sizzling, Egg beaters whirring, Toasters popping, Coffeepots burping, Tummies growling, Time for eating, Gas pumps gurgling, Grease guns squishing, Tractors roaring, Tires smacking, Implements creaking, All is working. Tractors idling, Lunch sacks rattling, Farmers munching, Water jugs sloshing, Cookies crunching, Time for stretching. Chickens clucking, Lamb baaing, Calves bawling, Turkeys gobbling, Pigs squealing, All need tending. Gas pumps gurgling, Grease guns squishing, Tractors roaring, Tires smacking, Implements creaking, (again) All is working. Kettles bubbling, Chairs scraping, Plates clacking, Silverware clinking, People chatting, While supper eating. Cows mooing, Footsteps crunching, Silo unloaders grinding, Milkers humming, Cats purring, (again) Chores are going. Whip-poor-wills twilling, Old owls hooting, Frogs croaking, Trees rustling, Night breezes whispering, All are resting.
