Jeffrey David Heck

Jeffrey David Heck, 63, of Wasilla died Jan. 29, 2013.

He was born March 9, 1949, in Freeport, Ill., to Lester E. and Dorothy L. Heck. He graduated from Freeport High School, enlisted in the Army and served three tours of duty in Vietnam. Jeff worked at Kelly Springfield Tire for many years. In the late 1980s, he moved to Alaska to fulfill his dream of hunting and prospecting.

Preceding him in death was his father in 1962 and his mother in 2012.

Surviving are his siblings, Chyrll Rohde-Lincoln (David) of Freeport, Ill., Janice Gunn of Dayton, Ohio, Bradley K. Heck (Stella) of Watertown, Tenn.; and various nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his Alaska family: uncle, Don Heck (Peggy); cousin, Kelly; and best friend and hunting buddy, Tony Leoni.

A celebration of life and spreading of ashes is Aug. 3. For more information, contact the family at alaskanhecks@hotmail.com.