David W. Heckmann, 57 of Spring Valley, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack on Monday afternoon, October 26, 2015 in Spring Valley. He was born on June 9, 1958 in Sheboygan, son of Edward Heckmann and the late Gladys (Schuler) Heckmann.

Dave attended Meeme Elementary Grade School and was a 1976 graduate of Kiel High School. In 1980 he received his Degree at Lakeland College in History and Religion where he belonged to the Zeta-Chi Fraternity. He later received a Degree at Lakeshore Technical College in Graphic Design.

Dave spent 10 years in the printing industry and 16 years working with people with special needs. This passion led and called him into the the ministry and theological training. In 2012 he entered Eden Theological Seminary and recently graduated in May of 2015. Dave was waiting for a call to serve a church when he received the ultimate call.

He was a lifelong member of St. James United Church of Christ, Spring Valley where he was a member of the choir, taught Sunday School, served as Superintendent, consistory member and was currently assisting Pastor William Kesting. He was a lover of the arts and had a great love for playing the guitar and singing. He especially enjoyed his time singing with the Clipper City Chordsman. Dave also worked for the Manitowoc Maritime Museum Submarine Over Night Program and was referred to as Captain Dave and most recently Chaplain Dave.

He enjoyed cooking, especially chili, model railroads and the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed downhill skiing, home brewing and working in the cook shack with his friends and family making maple syrup. He was the worldwide distributor and number one salesman of Spring Valley Syrup Works. Dave also enjoyed socializing with the morning coffee group and Spring Valley Happy Hour group.

Survivors include his father, Edward of Spring Valley, one sister, Heidi (Clarence) Belitz, Cleveland, one brother, William (Laurie) Heckmann, Spring Valley, world class uncle to many nieces and nephews including, Katie Belitz, (TJ Rhodes), Michael Belitz, Thomas, Caroline & Jack Heckmann, further survived by uncles, Warren (Freida) Heckmann and Rev. Glenn Coleman, aunt, Betty LaDuke, special friends, Al & Judy Wippermann, numerous cousins, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Heckmann, sister-in-law, Laurie Binversie Heckmann, grandparents, Cranston & Elsie Heckmann, Milton & Selma Schuler and uncles and aunts, Marvin (Clarice) Schuler, Bernice (Herman) Nass, Marjorie Coleman, David LaDuke and Janet Heckmann.

Funeral services for Dave will be held at 3:00 pm., Saturday, October 31, 2015 at St. James United Church of Christ, 13312 Pioneer Road, Newton with Rev. William Kesting officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 11:30 am until the time of service.

Dave's family would like to thank the Cleveland First Responders and the Kiel Ambulance for all their help and a special thank you to Dave's mentor, Pastor William Kesting. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name. Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, Kiel is assisting the family.

-Sheboygan Press, Wed, Oct 28, 2015