MICHIGAN CITY - Earl H. Heckel, 56, of Bourbon, and formerly of Michigan City, died at 3:44 p.m. June 3, 2007, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth, after a brief illness.
He was born March 30, 1951, in Michigan City, to Henry H. and Geraldine Dostie Heckel. On Feb. 21, 1998, in Michigan City, he married Linda K. Barton, who survives in Bourbon.
He was a maintenance mechanic for ITW Redhead, Michigan City, for more than 28 years. He was a graduate of Purdue North Central University, where he received his associate's degree. He faithfully served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was a former member of Grace Church. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family, and also enjoyed spending time with his animals, gardening and woodworking. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan.
Also surviving are his children, Hillary E. Heckel, Springfield, Mo., and Henry H. Heckel, North Manchester; five grandchildren, Desmond, Haley, Taylor, Seth and Hunter; three sisters, Barbara Rogers and Mrs. Ray (Kathleen) Allen, both of Michigan City, and Mrs. Larry (Donna) Stradtner, Trail Creek; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Heckel and Peggy Woodruff.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Carlisle Funeral Home, Michigan City, with the Rev. William H. Fine officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, with full military rites by members of American Legion Skwiat Post 451.
