Birth date: Aug 28, 1959 Death date: Apr 5, 2017
Mark A. Van Hecke, age 57, of East China Twp., died peacefully on April 5, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 28, 1959 to Bill and Geri Van Hecke. On June 4, 1983 Mark married Bonnie Biewer. Mark a Read Obituary
Mark and I did a team teaching lesson or two which I (and the students) thoroughly enjoyed. So evident were his flexibility and creativity and most of all, his love of learning. I am sure that he is busy in heaven working effortlessly to spread the good word that LEARNING IS FUN!!
Mark, you were such a pleasure to know. Always positive and thoughtful - and such a support to your family and friends. The world is a better place for having you grace its presence. I am attaching my favorite photo of Mark. He is sitting in the Chandra X-Ray Center Operation Command Center in Cambridge, MA.
Dear Mrs. Geri VanHecke:
Your son was a gift to me. I never envisioned that would happen when we were first roommates. But I changed and he changed as we grew. Your son desired integrity, wisdom, to do what is right, and to please his Mother and Father. He worried about his siblings, but spoke of them in the light of love at the same time. He was bright, intelligent, always open to conversation and the sharing of ideas. He worked really hard in college to develop a foundation to be an excellent teacher. Effort that paid off years later.
Towards the end of his career, national politics and ideology started to to steal some of the things he loved about his vocation. But he adapted and gave back in so many ways. When he could have marked time to retirement, he instead gave his utmost to Science Olympiad. Your daughter-in-law pitching in with her best effort.
I can say Mark was more than a friend. He was someone to admire and emulate.
Unfortunately, you all to well understand what it is like to lose a good friend. I, on the other hand, have not lost a son. I can only extrapolate at the grief you feel and the sense of loss you will live with for the rest of your life. I am so sorry.
Thank you so much for your part in forming your son to be my best friend for almost four decades. I love him and I love you.
Chris
Matt/Jeani, Jason/Angie,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your dad Mark. Cherish the memories. There won't be day where you are doing something and will suddenly come to realize it was, "just like Dad". Warm regards to you and yours, Rick/Marlene Rose
I was fortunate to know Mark since his high school days as a student and then as a teacher for my daughter. His enthusiasm was so evident in everything that he did. From reading many of the posts - both here and on Facebook, he inspired so many young people - a life well lived.
Ruth (Broeder) Mavis
