Darlys Jean Hecker – Rochester

Darlys Jean Hecker, age 62, of Rochester, MN went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 8 ^th , 2011, after her courageous battle with cancer.  Darlys was surrounded by her loving family and at home at the time of her death.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 12 ^th at 10:30am at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN.  Public viewing of her body will be from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.  Friday evening November 11, 2011 and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at River Park Chapel.  Burial will later follow at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester.

Darlys Jean Schmitt was born on June 16 ^th , 1949, to Ray and Delores (Dee) Schmitt.  Darlys graduated from Winona High School.  She later met Mark Parma, married and was blessed with three children.  After their divorce, Darlys later met and married Robert Hecker, who survives her.

Darlys lived most of her life in the Rochester/Winona area; however, she also lived in Chicago, Texas, and in the Park Rapids, MN area.  When Darlys returned to Rochester, she was employed by Mayo Clinic up until the time of her death.

Today we rejoice in the knowledge and take comfort in the fact that she is forever at home and in glory with the Savior that she faithfully served.  Darlys touched the lives of many people with her smile, courage, and generosity and maintained her sense of humor to the end.  Darlys loved her family and friends and spent as much time with them as she could.  Darlys enjoyed being outside and always looked forward to spring and working in the garden.  Darlys reminded us just how precious life is.

Surviving along with her parents, Ray and Delores (Dee) Schmitt of Winona, MN, and her husband Robert Hecker of Rochester, three sons and one daughter:  Jeff Schmitt of Garland, Texas; Mike (Deb) Parma of Rochester, MN; Chad (Traci) Parma from Harrisburg, PA; and Angie Balkcom of Warner Robins, GA.  She is also survived by her grandchildren: Andrew Parma, Tyler Parma, Craig Parma, Heather Parma, Dylan Balkcom and Alissa Balkcom.  She is also survived by one step granddaughter, Misty (Brian) Lampson-Phillips of Nora Springs, IA, one step great grandson, William Wendell Phillips of Nora Springs, IA, one brother Alan Schmitt of Minneapolis, MN, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their support and comfort during this time.  A special thanks to Pastor Jim Filbeck and Pastor Bruce Kallies from the Assembly of God Church along with members of the church.  A special thanks to members of the Hospice team for everything they did and every kindness shown during her last days.  The family would also like to give a special thanks to Amy Seegmeller-Renner for being such a great friend to the family and everything she did for Darlys.

Online condolences are welcome at www.MackenFuneralHome.com

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.