Ben P. Hecker, 87, Dunn County, passed away into our Lord’s waiting arms on on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Benedictine Living Center, Dickinson. Ben’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Ryan Martire as celebrant. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Bennie Phillip Hecker was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson on November 20, 1937, to Mike and Veronica (Lantz) Hecker and was raised on the Hecker family homestead northwest of Dickinson in Dunn County. He attended country school and St. Joseph’s School in Dickinson where he completed the eighth grade.
Ben enjoyed farming and ranching with his parents and eventually owned the Hecker family farm. The farm was homesteaded by his grandparents, George and Franziska (Kowis) Hecker in 1896 when they migrated from Russia. Ben lived on the farm until February 2023 when he entered Benedictine Living Center in Dickinson. He liked living at the Benedictine Living Center where he felt comfortable and at home. He was grateful for the wonderful care he received and appreciated the friendly, kind, caring, and efficient staff who cared for him.
Ben was a charter member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council. He was interested in politics. On Election Days, at the age of 22, he began to serve as clerk then judge and inspector at the New Hradec Precinct in Dunn County. He served until he was 80 years old at the time when North Dakota started mailing ballots. He liked to read and watch television, especially the news and rodeos. He enjoyed listening to classical and old-time music. He played the piano and banjo and sometimes played for local parties and dances. Ben enjoyed playing cards with whist being his favorite game. As a young man Ben would care for his livestock by riding horseback. Later he enjoyed using his four-wheeler when caring for the livestock. Ben liked to visit and help his neighbors on the farm. He appreciated their help, support, and concern for him. He knew he could count on them if he ever needed anything. Ben often had company when relatives stopped to see the old Hecker homestead. Ben’s family and extended family visited Ben and the farm often. He liked animals and always had pets around the farm. His housecat, Snuggles survived him.
Ben is survived by his brother, Edwin (Eva) Hecker; his sisters, Sister Laura Hecker, and Leona (Ken) Barnhart; 11 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Dolores Hecker; sisters, Martha (Richard) Rixen, and Rose Hecker.