Hilary J. Heck

Hilary J. Heck passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc WI. He was born on March 22, 1928, in Rubicon WI to Michael and Eleanor Heck. Hilary attended St. John’s School for the Deaf in Milwaukee and St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo, New York. He was a celebrated three sport athlete and continued his athletic career after high school. His successes on the field led to his induction into the Deaf Hall of Fame in the 1980s. Hilary spent his career working in the newspaper business, first at the Waukesha Freeman and then the Milwaukee Journal.

The focus of Hilary’s life was always his family. He fell in love and married Marian Hein in 1957, and they had three children, Sally, Paul and Tom, who he was so proud of. During his retirement, he was able to share more of his time and love with his grandchildren who he adored.

Hilary was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Fr. Roger Heck, Charles Heck, Kenneth Heck and Ann Roethle. Marian predeceased him in September 2014.

Hilary is survived by his children and their families; Sally and John Bisswurm and their children, Jack and Max; Paul and Carla Heck and their children, Olivia, Nolan and Michael; and Tom and Marina Heck and their children John and Devin. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Lindemann; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Quin and Doris Barrett, brother-in-law Ted Hein and sister-in-law Annette Heck, along with many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to all who cared for him, especially those at Angels Grace and all the sign language interpreters who shared their skills to help him communicate with his healthcare providers. A special shout out to Jodi for her kindness and dedication.

Services will be held Thursday, August 28th at Corpus Christi Parish - St. Mary Church, 225 South Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha WI. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 am. A Mass and luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Hilary’s name can be made to HAWS, Catholic Memorial High School, Corpus Christi Parish - St. Mary Church, or a charity of your choice. Thank you.

Dad, thank you for setting such a high standard for all of us. Thank you for showing us what hard work is, for showing us countless examples of kindness, for showing us strength at all moments of life, especially as you approached death, for your wonderful sense of humor and of course your steadfast love. You are our hero, and we will miss you so much.