Francis X. Hecker, 85, Gladstone, died Saturday, September 2, 2017 at his home. Francis’ Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 7, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield, with Fr. William Ruelle as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post 144. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Francis Xavier Hecker was born December 3, 1931 in Dickinson, the son of Joseph and Wilhelmina (Wock) Hecker. He was raised and educated in the Dickinson area. He served honorably in the North Dakota National Guard from June 1953 to June 1956.

Francis was united in marriage to Lois Martin of Manning in June 1956, and together they had five children, Bruce, Wade, Sandy, Mark and Pam. Lois died in February 1969. He then remarried on October 2, 1971 to Judith Rodakowski, and they had two children, Arles and Francine.

He worked hard his entire life, having helped his dad with farming, working in a Uranium mine, owning the Gladstone Bar, working construction, and most recently driving truck for TMI for several years. While with TMI he had earned several fuel saving awards. Francis also found time to serve on the Gladstone City Council, belong to the AmVets, Gladstone Senior Citizens, enjoyed gardening, playing pinochle with Jim Leintz, and listening to the Molly Bee Polka Party.

Francis is survived by his wife, Judith; seven children, Bruce (Lynelle) Hecker, Dickinson, Wade Hecker, Dickinson, Sandy (Wayne) Kaufman, Gladstone, Mark (Shelly) Hecker, Gillette, Wyo., Pam (Jimmy Serna) Lynch, Dickinson, Arles Hecker, Gladstone, and Francine Hecker, Gladstone; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Pete (Bonnie) Hecker, Richardton, Herman Hecker, Dickinson, Christ (Shirley) Hecker, Wichita, Kan., Marcy Krug, Richardton, and Marie Urbanec, Omaha, Neb.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents; and siblings, Tony, Ben, Lawrence and Theresa.