Bud was born March 26, 1919 in Oconto to the late George and Florence (Ama) VanHecke. He married Doris DeHut on April 10, 1946; she preceded him in death on March 23, 1996. Bud worked as a traveling salesman for Jewel Tea Co. for over twenty years. Bud was a member of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Joseph Choir, and Elks Lodge No. 887.
Bud is survived by three daughters, Sandra (Paul) Walsh, Green Bay; Cheryl (Satch) Naniot, Oconto; JoAnn VanHecke, Oconto; five sons, William (Gloria) VanHecke, Lakewood; Richard VanHecke and fiancée Lisa Perrizo, Oconto; John (Rae) VanHecke, Oconto; Terrence VanHecke, Oshkosh; Randall (Diana) VanHecke, Oconto; two brothers, Woodrow (Marge) VanHecke, Lakewood; Jerome (Illanne) VanHecke, Marshal, TX; three sisters Marge (Jerry) Fostner, Green Bay; Deannie (Bud) Curtis, Kelly Lake; Bernice "Bunny" Gedis, Denver, CO; 24 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Bud was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Cory Magiary and Travis VanHecke.
The family received relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday December 1, 2000, with services by the Elks Lodge No. 887 at 7:15 p.m. and prayer services by Walt Kaszynski at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday December 2, 2000 at Holy Trinity Parish with the Rev. David C. Ruby and Rev. Jay Fostner officiating.