Lawrence Gregory Heck

Lawrence Gregory Heck, lovingly known as Larry, age 80, of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, under the care of the North Memorial Hospice Team.

Larry was born on May 4, 1946, in Graceville, Minnesota, to Lawrence Clemence Heck and Irene Patricia (Gerdes) Heck. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968, attaining the rank of Private (E-1). Larry served in Vietnam and saw combat action. His military honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. His service to his country remained an important part of his life and legacy.

In 1969, Larry married the love of his life, MaryJane (Dawson) Heck. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and love. Their marriage was a lasting example of devotion, commitment, and partnership, and their shared faith guided the way they raised their family and served others.

Larry was many things to many people: a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, spiritual advisor, and friend. He had a generous heart, a steady presence, and a genuine concern for others. Family and friends often said that Larry would give you the last dollar in his pocket if he thought it would help someone in need.

Throughout his life, Larry was known for his strong work ethic, practical skill, and natural ability to fix almost anything. He worked as an automotive technician and was always willing to help friends, family, and neighbors with their vehicles. He also worked in fabrication as a pattern maker and die-cast engineer, and later drove for the MTC bus line. Larry had a remarkable mind for math, measurements, and mechanical problem-solving, often figuring things out in his head without the need for calculators or shortcuts. Whether using a ruler, tape measure, tool, or simply his own experience, he had a gift for understanding how things worked and how to make them right.

Larry also had a creative side that showed in many forms. He loved music, especially singers and songwriters. He enjoyed working with his hands, and woodworking seemed to come naturally to him. He was also a talented artist who enjoyed drawing, painting, pottery, and other creative projects. His creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail were part of who he was.

Those who spent time with Larry also knew his sense of humor. He loved making people laugh and rarely let a moment stay too serious for too long. Whether on a car ride, at an appointment, around the dinner table, or in everyday conversation, Larry had a way of adding a joke, a quick comment, or a playful remark that could lighten the mood and bring a smile to those around him.

His Christian faith was the foundation of his life. After working long days, Larry often spent his evenings, nights, and weekends serving others through prayer ministry. He volunteered with LoveLines Ministries, answering crisis and suicide hotline calls late into the night, sometimes until 2:00 AM, praying with people from across the country and offering comfort, encouragement, and hope to those facing some of life’s darkest moments. He also helped lead walk-in prayer rooms, meeting with anyone who came seeking prayer, guidance, healing, or support.

Larry’s greatest gift was making people feel heard, valued, and loved. Whether through a prayer, a conversation, a repaired vehicle, wise counsel, a ride to an appointment, a joke when someone needed to laugh, or simply being present when someone needed him, he quietly impacted countless lives. Many people will never know how many burdens were lightened because Larry took the time to listen, care, pray, and bring joy into the room.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, MaryJane (Dawson) Heck; his parents, Lawrence Clemence Heck and Irene Patricia (Gerdes) Heck; his sister, Marie Heck Miller; and his grandson, Tyler Anthony Vaillancourt.

He is survived by his children, Anthony Heck of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota; Lawrence C. (Christina) Heck of Blaine, Minnesota; John (Angie) Heck of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; and Ruthanne (Ivan) Escalante of Lakeville, Minnesota.

He is also survived by his siblings, George Heck of Fargo, North Dakota; Frances Schulte of Hopkins, Minnesota; Daniel Heck of Moorhead, Minnesota; Jo Anne Heck of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Kathleen (Wayne) Henjum of Fargo, North Dakota; Anthony (Jill) Heck of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; and Ann (Tom) Wroblewski of Kent, Washington; along with eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

While his family mourns his passing, they also celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by faith, service, generosity, humility, humor, creativity, and love. Larry’s legacy will continue through the family he cherished, the friends he encouraged, and the many lives he touched through prayer, compassion, wisdom, laughter, and selfless service.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 22, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Emmanuel Christian Center, 7777 University Avenue NE, Spring Lake Park, Minnesota 55432.

A private family interment with military honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on July 8, 2026.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23