Lawrence "Larry" Henry VanHecke

Mass of Christian Burial for Lawrence “Larry” VanHecke, 73, of Taunton, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022, at St. Edward Catholic Church.  Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota.  Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota.  A private family interment will take place at a later date.  Military Honors provided by U.S. American Legion Post 604 of Taunton and 199 of Minneota and Minneota VFW. 

Lawrence Henry VanHecke was born on September 13, 1948, in Marshall, MN, to Maurice and Alice (Lootens) VanHecke.  He grew up on the family farm west of Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School in 1966.  He was drafted in to the Army and served in Vietnam.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to Minneota.  He was married to Vicki Schumacher and to this union were born sons David, Glen, Michael and Gregory.  Larry farmed his entire life, even after “retirement.”  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and camping.  He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.  For the last 14 years, he enjoyed time with his soulmate; Jeanette Hulzebos.

After a brief illness with an aggressive pancreatic cancer, Larry died on Monday, July 18, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  He is survived by his love, Jeanette, of Taunton, sons David VanHecke, Glen (Laura) VanHecke, Michael (Renee) VanHecke, and Gregory (Trista) VanHecke; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; Jeanette’s sons Tim, Mike and Adam Hulzebos and their families; siblings Carol (Jim) Goldie and Jim (Rose) VanHecke, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.