HECK Anton

ANTON “TONY” HECK, beloved husband of the late Helen Heck, of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the AdaptaCare Personal Care Home, on Monday, November 4th, 2013, at the age of 95 years.

Lovingly remembered by his three children, Jerry (Pat) of Sherwood Park, Gary (Sheila) of Lethbridge and Bernadette (Jerry) Veres of Lethbridge, 8 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Anton was born in Regina, Saskatchewan , on December 1, 1918, son of Hieronymus and Anna Mary (Schmidt) Heck. Anton moved to the Burdett area at the age of 10 years and moved to the Grassy Lake area upon his marriage to his love and lifelong companion , Helen (Wentz) , on November 12, 1940. He worked in the coal mine prior to serving a time in the Canadian Army, hauling fuel, farming, and purchasing and operating a service station (Texaco), with a lunch counter operated by Helen. In May, 1958, they sold the business and Anton joined the Alberta Wheat Pool, serving as agent in Etzikom, Purple Springs and Coaldale until his retirement in 1983, whereupon they moved to Lethbridge. Anton had a strong work ethic which served as a role model, as well as a strong commitment of giving service to church, community and fellow man, especially those in need. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was a ‘prayer warrior’, praying many daily rosaries for family and friends. He was a happy, gentle spirit who was loved, respected and appreciated by those who had the privilege of knowing him. He loved sharing jokes, yodeling and dancing with family and friends. Anton was a family man who loved spending time with his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren . Family gatherings were especially happy occasions for him. Anton is survived by his three children, Jerry (Pat) of Sherwood Park, and their children Michael (Nicole) Heck, Jeri-Lynn (Darrin) Annibale ,Karen (Mike) Prive and adopted daughter Elena Zerea ; Gary (Sheila) of Lethbridge and their children Nikki (Tony) Cale and James (Nikki) Heck; and Bernadette (Jerry) Veres of Lethbridge and their children Gabe (Verna) Mabin and Duncan (Jaime) Mabin, and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother John (Jean) Heck and sisters Florence (George ) Thacker , Marjorie Ross and step-sister Francis Wentz. Anton was predeceased by his parents Hieronymus and Anna Mary, his step-father Andrew Volk, a great-granddaughter Lauren Annibale , brother Frank Heck and step-brothers John Volk, Frank Volk, and step-sister Anna Mary Hurt. A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Street South, Lethbridge, on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial donations in Anton’s name can be made to the All Saints Church Building Fund, c/o All Saints Parish, 2405-12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 0P4. Charitable receipts will be given.