NEW ULM–James “Chick” Heck, age 85, of New Ulm passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the New Ulm Medical Center. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH CHAPEL in New Ulm. A private family burial will occur at a later date. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

James is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Mike) Wiedl of New Ulm; son, Corey (Sarah) Heck of New Ulm; 6 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Edwin “Nuggie” (Jeanette) Heck; sister, Helen (Ronnie) Pabst; brothers-in-law, LeRoy Rewitzer, Jim Brown; sisters-in-law, Linda Clyne, Monica “Wiener” (Danny) Gieseke, Julie “Tutsie” (Pat) Schugel; brother-in-law, Randy “Sam” (Jo) Clyne and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie “Chico” Heck; sisters, Max (Harry) Falk and Marlene Brown; sisters-in-law, Marlene “Rusty” Rewitzer, Mary “Eightball” Hogen, Roxanne “Tuni” Schwecke, Diane “Termite” (Richard) Murphy; brother-in-law, Harlan Schwecke; and Linda’s special friend, John Schoof.

James A. “Chick” Heck was born July 26, 1939 to Edwin and Mary (Weir) Heck in New Ulm. He graduated from New Ulm Public High School in 1958. He worked as a mechanic for the Apitz Service Station, then went into carpentry for some time and then went into maintenance for International Multifoods and New Ulm Telecom where he retired. James “Chick” Heck was united in marriage to the love of his life, Connie “Chico” Clyne on June 3, 1961 in New Ulm. The couple was blessed with 2 children, who they raised together.

A true original Goosetowner, “Chick” was the self-appointed Mayor of Goosetown, a title he wore with pride and a sense of humor that kept everyone smiling. Known for his quick wit, and unmatched ability to fix just about anything, he spent much of his free time in the shop, where he claimed to be “solving the world’s problems” one project at a time. Whether it was tinkering with cars, welding something back to life, or simply figuring out how things worked, he had a gift for turning a pile of parts into something extraordinary.

His loyal dog and best friend, Bear, was never far from his side. The two were inseparable, whether cruising down backroads with the windows down or taking walks down by the river. Together, they were a familiar and welcome sight to all who knew them.

One of his greatest joys was spending time outdoors, especially fishing in his son’s backyard. He cherished those quiet days on the water with a line cast and a family member by his side, passing down wisdom, tall tales, and the occasional fish story that grew a little with each telling.

Perhaps the most treasured tradition in his life was the Sunday morning breakfasts he hosted at his house. Week after week, the whole family would gather around his table, filling the kitchen with the sounds of laughter, love, and the smell of bacon and Dr. Pepper. These mornings were sacred! Time set aside for stories, teasing, catching up, and simply being together. He made sure everyone had a seat, a plate, and a memory to take with them.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Fiercely proud of his family and never one to miss an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. His legacy will live on in every joke told around a campfire, every tool passed down, and every engine that roars back to life under the hands of someone he taught. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made out to the donor’s choice.

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