Diane Marie Hecker

Diane Marie (Lauer) Hecker, 77, of Fort Collins, Colorado, died on Thursday, March 6, 2014 after a ten year bout with cancer. Diane was born on April 9, 1936 to Clarence and Eleanor (Fellows) Lauer of Terry, Montana. She spent the first 18 years of her life with her family on the Guernsey Dairy, south of Terry. She graduated from Terry High School in 1954 and attended Montana State College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics (Education) in 1958. While at MSC, she met Richard Hecker from Sumatra, Montana. They were married on August 12, 1958 in Terry, Montana. After their wedding, they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where Richard attended graduate school at Colorado State University. For several years Diane worked as a senior library assistant in the Forestry Library at CSU, while Richard earned his PhD in Plant Genetics. In 1963 Diane gave birth to the first of four children. She was an active leader at St. Joseph School and in the Fort Collins public schools; serving as a room mother for more than 20 classes and she was the PTA President for 2 years. In 1977 she co-founded Mary’s Closet at St. Joseph Church. Mary’s Closet is a service organization that provides clothing for people in need. Diane volunteered at the Closet until her death. In June of 2013, Diane and Richard were the first recipients of the Spirit of the St. Joseph Legacy award for their volunteer work at St. Joseph Parish. Diane enjoyed creating new recipes, baking and playing Bridge with her friends. She is well known for her fabulous cookies and beautiful denim quilts. Diane is survived by her husband Richard of 55 years, her daughter, Carol (Jeff) Walbye of Fort Collins; her son, John (Laura) Hecker of Larkspur, Colorado; her daughter, Ann (Mario) Perricone of Littleton, Colorado and her son, Douglas Hecker of Steamboat, Colorado. She has three grandchildren, Jackson Walbye and Morgan and Paige Perricone. She is also survived by her sister, Corolin (Clarence) Ruff of Spokane, Washington; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Eleanor Lauer and son-in-law, Michael Ragsdale. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM –7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Goes Funeral Care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Diane at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery, followed by a reception at St. Joseph Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mary’s Closet at St. Joseph Church, 300 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521

Diane Marie Hecker

April 9, 1936 - March 6, 2014