Dennis Heck, 73, of Festus died June 1, 2022, at the home of friends in De Soto. Mr. Heck was the longtime chaplain at Jefferson Memorial Hospital (now Mercy Hospital Jefferson) in Crystal City. He graduated from seminary and served as an associate pastor at a Methodist church in Iowa before coming to Jefferson County in 1985 as the hospital’s full-time chaplain. During his 30-plus-year tenure, he started a grief support group that met twice monthly at the hospital and formed a volunteer chaplain’s group comprised of local pastors to be on call during off hours or in crisis situations. He chaired the annual fundraiser auction to raise money for the Chaplain’s Fund that provided assistance to the families of patients and organized “A Day at the Ballpark” for hospital employees and their families. He also filled pulpit vacancies at local churches when pastors were unable to be there due to illness, vacation or other absences. Mr. Heck continued to mentor and minister to those in need of support and counseling in the years following his retirement. He enjoyed time with the Lord, playing tennis, time with friends and family and traveling to Colorado, Florida, Lake of the Ozarks and Tennessee. Born July 26, 1948, in Perryville, he was the son of the late Ruth (Yeager) and John Heck Jr.
He is survived by two brothers: Darrell (Cheryl) Heck of Jackson and Kerry Heck of Perryville; his very special friends: Hal “Doc” and Winnie Ellegood and Jeffrey and Carla Schlueter; many other friends and extended family members, as well as his dog, Lexi. He was preceded by a sister: Denise Heck.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at Good News Community Church, 2793 Hwy. 61, south of Festus, officiated by Justin Metiva. Memorials may be made to Good News Community Church, 2793 Hwy. 61, Festus, 63028 or to the Mercy Health Foundation, 1400 Hwy. 61, Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.