Marilyn Heckman

Marilyn J. Heckman, 71, of Adair, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2007, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Marilyn Joy Petersen was born on March 17, 1936, on her family's farm in Wichita, Audubon County, Iowa, the daughter of Hans Christian and Sophia Marie (Christophersen) Petersen.

Marilyn moved north of Adair in 1944, and lived there all of her life. She attended Bear Grove #7, north of Adair, in rural Guthrie County. Marilyn graduated from Adair High School in 1955. After graduating from high school she worked at U.S. Bank in Omaha, Nebraska until 1962.

On June 6, 1967, she was married to George John Heckman in Denison, Iowa.

Marilyn was a 4-H member and leader of the Grant Jolly Juniors. She was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Marilyn enjoyed baking, quilting, working in her flower gardens and was known for her letter writing. She was very interested in family history and worked hard on genealogy. Marilyn was an avid democrat. The most important to Marilyn though were her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Linda Heckman of Harlan, Iowa; Kevin Heckman and his wife, Michelle of Guthrie Center, Iowa, John Heckman of Adair, Iowa; and Joy Heckman and her husband, Ron Slagle of Johnston, Iowa; 6 grandchildren, Joshua, Candice, Keenan, Collin, Christian and Colton; siblings, Geraldine Twidt and her husband, Howard of Ankeny, Iowa; Melvin Petersen and his wife, Doris of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Dallas Petersen of Villisca, Iowa; Shirley McClelland and her husband, Ron of Des Moines, Iowa; and Jack Petersen and his wife, Barbara of Abilene, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George in 1984; sisters, A. Joan Petersen and Darlene Petersen; and brothers, Don and Merle Petersen.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 16, 2007, at St. John's Lutheran Church, northwest of Adair, Iowa.

Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 16, 2007, at the Hockenberry Funeral Home in Adair, with the family present to greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Little Mermaid Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 27, Kimballton, Iowa 51543.

Hockenberry Funeral Home in Adair is in charge of the arrangements.