Daniel Van Hecker

1957-2024

Daniel P. Van Hecker went home to Jesus on March 9, 2024 at age 67. He went peacefully with his loving wife by his side. Daniel was born to Lawrence and Catherine (nee Kauer) Van Hecker on Feb. 25, 1957 in Merrill. He graduated from Rib Lake High School. Daniel met his wife, Denene and her daughter in a humorous way that he never tired telling the story of. They married on Aug. 15, 1981 and went on to have three additional boys.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband to his wife and father to all his children, Dan also loved taking long drives and fishing and teaching the children in his life new things. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he clung to in dark times and then shared it with those who surrounded him.

He could be stubborn and challenging to those who loved him and wanted nothing but the best for him but he was also kind and funny and good for a good story or hug when you needed one.

Daniel joins his parents, Lawrence and Catherine; his two sons, Joshua and Lawerance; two brothersin- law, Ron Hansen and Mark Marquardt; a sister-inlaw, Sharon Van Hecker; and three infant brothers in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife, Denene; his children Jennifer (Matt) Dirks, Quenten (Misty Lange) Van Hecker; his grandchildren, Christian (Rachel) Dirks, Emelie (Aaron) Dirks, Jaime, Talon, Kaylee, Lydia, Ian, Sophia, and Finn Van Hecker; and “adopted” grandchildren Ella and Benjamin; one great-grandchild, Remington Dirks; brothers and sisters, Vernell Van Hecker, Therese Marquardt, Gaylon (Gloria) Van Hecker, Margaret aka Muff (Daniel) Budimlija, Mary (Guido) Spicer, Bernadette (Gary) Hansen and Yvonne (Gary) Budimlija. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.

The family would like to thank the staff of the 8th floor at Bellin Hospital for the exceptional care they provided not only to him but making sure that they understood what was going on every step of the way. Extra thanks goes to the attending nurse Zach and Dr. Choi and Dr. Vora for the comfort and dedication they had to him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. John 16:22: “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Paid Obituary 149821