Ellen Heck

Ellen Marie Strand Heck was born June 10, 1929, at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis., to Joseph Genhard Strand and Ruth Signe Garson Strand. She died Sept. 22, 2017, at her home in Strum, Wis. Ellen (Toots) was baptized June 30, 1929 and confirmed on June 6, 1943, at West Beef River Lutheran Church in Strum. She attended the Strum Public Schools and graduated from Strum Unity Union Free High School on May 22, 1946. Around this time, Ellen met Lyle Calvin Heck at a Luther League event. Lyle approached her as she was sitting at a table and asked if he could sit down next to her. She replied, “It’ll cost you a quarter.” Lyle set that quarter right down on the table...and the rest is history. After graduating, Ellen attended Eau Claire State Teacher’s College, now University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and was married to Lyle on June 19, 1948. To this union were born five daughters.
In 1950, Lyle and Ellen moved to California, where Lyle attended the University of Redlands, Redlands, Calif. After graduation, they moved to Clintonville, Wis., where Lyle taught and Ellen often babysat while raising their girls. In 1954, they moved back to California and settled in the South Bay for 53 years. They joined the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection that year, wherein her whole family life revolved. Her volunteer hours at church were immeasurable. For over 50 years she inspired others by doing. Ellen sang in the choir, acted as choral music librarian, and supported Lyle as choirmaster. She directed numerous children’s Christmas programs and children’s choirs, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and was a high school youth group sponsor impacting the lives of so many. In addition, Ellen organized the decorating of the church for holidays and special occasions, served on the Altar Guild, Call Committee, Board of Deacons, Board of Evangelism, was president of the Women of the Church at Resurrection, and was the first president of Mother’s Club.
Ellen was instrumental in helping found Riviera Hall Lutheran Preschool, Redondo Beach, in 1968, and taught there for many years. She also spent many summers as a registrar at the Lutheran Bible Camp Association of Southern California. Outside of church, Ellen worked at the Palos Verdes Begonia Farm in the gift shop and Christmas shop and was mistaken, at times, for Mrs. Claus! She was Lyle’s muse as they walked together through life with poetry, music, and song.
In 1980, Ellen and Lyle had begun spending each summer at their home in Wisconsin, eventually moving there permanently in 2005. Ellen enjoyed many endeavors: reading, traveling, singing, scrapbooking, driving in the countryside with Lyle, participating in the Sons of Norway, serving with the Eleva-Strum Lions Club, studying with Immanuel Lutheran Women’s Circle, and sharing her hospitality with friends and family (especially holiday entertaining). Her fun sense of humor was contagious. But most importantly, Ellen was the embodiment of love. She reached out to so many people and made them feel cared for and special.
Ellen is survived by her five daughters: Sara Heck, Strum, Martha Bauman (John), Torrance, Calif., Mary Spryer (Richard), Eau Claire, Anna McCue (Pete), Lynnwood, Wash., Elizabeth Plunkett (Kurt), Lake Stevens, Wash.; 11 grandchildren, Ruth Hanley (Jim), Anna Vallefuoco (Marc), Andrew Bauman, Signe Sapien (Trevor), Peter Spryer, Kirsten Spryer, Rachel McCue, Amy Jones (Zack), Peter McCue (Meaghan), Gary Plunkett, Colleen Plunkett; seven great-grandchildren, Ava, Clara, Marcello, Tyson, Charlotte, Lucy, Sadie; brothers-in-law, Bob Heck (Barbara McDermott), Alger Heck (Lana), Rev. Ortie Heck (Carol); nieces and nephews, David Strand (Ceceile), Phyllis Strand, Julie Strand (Andy Burke), Rev. Erik Strand (Deborah), Karin Strand (Guy Caridi), Kristin Rupert (Dave), Kathy Strand (Paul Carlson), Beth Strand (Blake Bowie), Ellen Anderson (Wells), Rev. Dr. Barbara Heck (Rob Nelson), David Heck (Sherri), Becky Crawford (John), Karen Heck, Allan Heck (Susan), LeeAnn Heck, Cary Heck, Renee Heck; many grand nieces and nephews, countless friends, and those who call her mom (you know who you are).
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Lyle; her parents; brothers, Bob and Jack; in-laws, Doris Strand, Rev. Ann Strand, Glenn and Margaret Heck, and Margie Heck.
At her passing in the morning hours, Ellen was surrounded by her daughters, who held her hands while praying, reading scripture, listening to her favorite music (Christmas Carols, of course) and sending their mom to heaven with all the love her own heart gave to others. The family, once again, gives thanks for their priceless caregiver, Lou Ann Klein, for her love and tireless support for our family.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum. Friends and family are invited to a light lunch immediately following the service in the parish hall. There will be a private interment at the West Beef River Cemetery. The family would like to thank Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Eleva, and Rev. Lowell Bolstad and Rev. Erik Strand for their caring ministry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum, WI and designated to the Organ Fund or the West Beef River Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com.
She loved the Lord. She loved to serve. She loved her family.

Sub-Section: 

GMD Media

See Contact Button at top left for each office Phone Number,
200 Industrial Court Suite 100
, Wabasha, MN 55981

coloring pictures
télécharger reddit video
propletenie.ru

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to GMDMedia Newsletter feed
Customize This