It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Francis Henry Van Hecke of Minneota, MN — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
Francis held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The traditions Francis loved will continue to hold those he loved.
Francis Henry Van Hecke
March 17, 1927 - April 23, 2026
Minneota, MN
Mass of Christian Burial for Francis Van Hecke, 99, of Minneota, will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota, with a parish prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday morning from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. at the remembrance center. Interment will follow the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Francis Henry Van Hecke was born on March 17, 1927, on the family farm in Eidsvold Township, to Henrie and Cordula (DePau) Van Hecke. Francis was a member of the very first class at St. Edward Catholic School, then later attended Minneota High School. Francis was a lifelong farmer. On February 14, 1950, Francis was united in marriage to Mary Stoks at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton. The couple farmed near Minneota for 43 years, then retired to Minneota in 1993. Francis and Mary enjoyed wintering in Texas after their retirement. Francis was devoted to his wife, diligently caring for her at home as long as he could after her dementia diagnosis. Francis was a wonderful storyteller, and he had a great memory. He also loved to read.
Francis died on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his sons Robert of Cross Lake, William (Jean) of Victoria, and Edward (Heather) of Hutchinson; grandchildren Ryan (Tina) Van Hecke, Brandon (Jodie) Van Hecke, Adam (Laura) St. Aubin, Peter (Rita) St. Aubin, Matthew Van Hecke, Megan (Tony) Hanson, Amanda Van Hecke, Amy (Justin) Nos, Luke Van Hecke, and Annalee Van Hecke; great-grandchildren Tatum (fiancé Trevor Pope) Van Hecke, Lainey Van Hecke, Shelby Van Hecke, Jon Van Hecke, Cameron Hanson, and Carter Hanson; great-great-grandchildren Parker, Brooks, and Lyla Pope; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Van Hecke, parents Henrie and Cordula Van Hecke, daughter Patricia (Walter) St. Aubin, daughters-in-law Marlene and Sharon Van Hecke, brother Maurice (Alice) Van Hecke, grandson Brett Van Hecke, and a sister in infancy.
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