12/26/2003
Funeral services for Jerald Dwayne Heck, 65, of Pleasantville, who died Friday,
Dec. 26, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, were held Tuesday, Dec. 30,
at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville. Pastor Don Hill officiated at the services.
Joann Heaberlin was organist. Interment was at Palo Alto Cemetery in rural Jasper
County. Casketbearers were Mark Bell, Mike Bell, Roger Bell, Mike Mohler, Merwin
Rexroat, and Tim Woodyard.
Jerald was born on May 7, 1938, in Knoxville, the son
of James Mathias Heck and Murel Alice (Brawdy) Heck. He was raised in Knoxville
and attended school there. As a young man he worked construction, which he thoroughly
enjoyed because he loved to be outdoors.
On Nov. 9, 1956 he married Alyce Bell in
Monroe. The couple made their home in Newton. Jerald acquired many trades through
the years, having worked in television repair, camper maintenance and as a machinist.
In 1972 Jerald and Alyce moved their family to the Pleasantville area. In later
years Jerald went to work at Maytag in addition to farming. He retired from Maytag
in June of 2000. He had many interests, including tinkering on old motors and refinishing
antiques for Alyce's shop.
He encouraged all the children to learn an instrument,
and he had a passion for music that included listening to everything from opera
to country. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when he was at the cabin
in Minnesota that he and the boys had built. His greatest joy in life was his family;
he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was preceded
in death by his parents and a son, Steve. He is survived by his wife of 47 years,
Alyce; a daughter, Renee Rockwell of Urbandale; three sons, Jerry of Pleasantville;
Jim of Knoxville, and Tim of Altoona; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister,
Shirley Sheaffer of Tonganoxie, Kan. and many other family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Pleasantville Fire and Rescue Units or American Cancer
Society.
Arrangements were made by Mason Funeral Home.