Carol D. Heckman

IRONWOOD, Mich. – Carol D. Heckman, 78, a long-time resident of Ironwood, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 14, 2018.

Carol was born on March 6, 1940, in Detroit, the daughter of Justin O. and Miriam Mildred (Freeland) Kinnaman. She attended Redford Union High School in Redford Township and graduated in 1958.

On Nov. 11, 1963, Carol was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Herman Heckman Sr. in Detroit.

She worked as a waitress at a number of race tracks in Detroit, where she served several VIP families.

Carol is survived by a son, Robert (April), Bessemer; three daughters, Julie (Floyd) Ruegsegger, Ironwood, Lori (Mike) Greenleaf, Sault Ste. Marie, and Melodie (Chris) Fortson, Fowlerville; six cherished grandchildren, Rachel, Jenny, Cooper, Jagger, Miriam and Ryley;  three dear great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Erik and Jaylyn; several special nieces and nephews; and her very best friend, Mary Hellen, Ironwood.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert Sr., on Nov. 15, 2000; a daughter, Heidi; a grandson, Jacob; and two brothers, Erik and Roger Kinnaman.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5120 E. Margaret St., Ironwood, with the Rev. Dr. John T. Geach officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.

Everyone who had the privilege of meeting Carol, knew she was a feisty, stubborn old woman with a heart of gold. She would do anything to help anyone out. God is probably going crazy in heaven right now, and she is probably trying to run the show. Our family will miss her every day for the rest of our lives. We love you mom.