Obituary for Celeste Mary Heckman

Celeste Mary Heckman, age 86, of Pewamo, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019. She was born October 7, 1932 in Fowler, the daughter of Nicholas and Rose (Simon) Hufnagel. Celeste was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She followed P-W sports and was a Spartan fan, despite most of her family’s love of U of M maize and blue. She always made sure others were taken care of and often drove them to doctor’s appointments. Celeste enjoyed walking and was involved in various activities, including playing in several card groups and bowling in her earlier years. Her pride and joy was her family, she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she loved.

Preceding Celeste in death are her beloved husband of 51 years, Francis; son, George Heckman; grandsons, Grant Heckman and Jacob Heckman; daughter-in-law, Donna Heckman; brothers, Charles and Thomas Hufnagel; and in-laws, Ken Hungerford, Wesley Arnold, and John Eisler. She is survived by her children, Rosemary (Steve) Halfman, Frank (Darlene) Heckman, Jane (Ken) Martin, Donna (Mike) Wirth, daughter-in-law, Jeanne (Dan Hanses) Heckman, Dan (Julie) Heckman, and Pat (Carolyn) Heckman; 37 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; siblings, Esther Eisler, Clem (Marie) Hufnagel, Frank (Kay) Hufnagel, Mary Arnold, Helen Hungerford, and Jim (Carrie) Hufnagel; and in-laws, Marlene Hufnagel, Nancy Hufnagel, and William (Catherine) Heckman.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Darrel Kempf at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo. Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at the chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.