Sharon F. Heckel, age 67, of Roscoe, IL, formerly of Beaver Dam, died unexpectedly of a stroke on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at Beloit Memorial Hospital.
Visitation for Sharon will be at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Funeral services will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will then gather in the fellowship hall at Praise Assembly of God Church in Beaver Dam from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a time to share memories and light refreshments.
Sharon was born on February 13, 1951 in Herrin, IL to Gerald and Nettie (nee: Howell) Jenkins. On July 24, 1970, she was united in marriage with Richard Heckel in Cambria, IL. Dick and Sharon moved to Beaver Dam where she worked as a Teacher’s Aide at both Washington and Jefferson Schools.
Sharon was a very giving person. Throughout her life, she provided in-home respite for families of people with special needs. She was also a very active member of Praise Assembly of God Church in Beaver Dam and currently at Emmanuel’s Gathering Church in Roscoe, IL. While in Beaver Dam, Sharon served on the church board for several years, taught Sunday school, and worked at youth camps at Spencer Lake and Special Touch Ministries. She also served as president of Aglow International Beaver Dam Lighthouse for many years.
Family was extremely important to Sharon and she was, without question, the center of her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and loved the name “Mimi” that they gave her. She was also a devoted caregiver to her own mother. In retirement, Sharon enjoyed going with Dick to their condo in Fort Pierce, FL.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Heckel of Roscoe, IL; two daughters, Brooke (Craig) Ruesch of Kathleen, GA and Heather (Aaron) Lautenschlager of Negaunee, MI; four grandchildren, Elaina & Addison Ruesch, and Jacob & Mason Lautenschlager; her mother, Nettie Jenkins of Johnson City, IL; and her brother, Robert “Bob” (Jackie) Jenkins of Colp, IL; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, and her brother, James “Jim” Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Special Touch Ministries or Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com
