Lawrence Heckemeyer, age 87, of St. Elizabeth, died Sunday, November 19, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Care Center. He was born in St. Elizabeth on September 22, 1919, son of John and Elizabeth (Jurgensmeyer) Heckemeyer. On May 27, 1947, in St. Elizabeth, he was married to Cyrilla Rose Gertrude Doerhoff, who preceded him in death on August 15, 2005.

He was an Army veteran of World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, the St. Elizabeth American Legion, and a fourth degree member of the St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus. He was a past member of the St. Elizabeth School Board.

Survivors include five sons, Gene Heckemeyer and wife, Dianne of St. Elizabeth, Dennis Heckemeyer and wife, Becky of Fulton, Pat Heckemeyer of St. Elizabeth, Richard Heckemeyer and wife, Jan of St. Thomas, and James Heckemeyer and wife, Karen of Ashland; one daughter, Irene Murray of Jefferson City; one brother, Johnny Heckemeyer of Dixon; one sister, Marie Schanzmeyer of St. Elizabeth; family friend, Richard Holtmeyer of St. Louis; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Fred, Henry, and George Heckemeyer; and one sister, Emma Bax.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Francis Stuart, OSB, and Rev. I. C. Medina will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the St. Elizabeth Community Center with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.