Dennis Heeke

Becherkluesnerfuneralhomes.com Becherkluesner@insightbb.com 812-482-4141 Dateline Dubois, Indiana Dennis H. Heeke, former Indiana State Representative - age 81, Dubois, Indiana, died at 4:54 a.m. Friday August 14, 2009, Memorial Hospital & Health Care Center in Jasper. He was born at Dubois, Indiana on September 9, 1927 to Theodore and Clara (Theising) Heeke. Married Leola Schuler on May 9, 1950 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ireland. Surviving, Wife, Leola 4 sons, Terry Heeke & Spouse Sandy Garret Heeke & Spouse Bonnie Bruce Heeke & Spouse Denise Brian Heeke & Spouse Kris all of Dubois, In 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren 2 sisters, Mrs. Pat (Hilda) Schmitt Helen Mehringer both of Ireland, In 1 brother, Eugene Heeke, Dubois, IN Preceding him in death are 1 son Kevin Heeke and 1 brother Herman Heeke. Dennis Heeke served as an Indiana State representative for 34 years from 1964 to 1998. He served as caucus chairman for 22 years and a member of the Legislative council. He was instrumental in development of the Patoka Reservoir and organizing the Wabash Valley Association later served as President of the Association .Also help organize the Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer District. He served on the Wabash Valley Interstate Commission between Indiana and Illinois as an appointee of Gov. Roger Brannagan and Gov. Ed. Whitcomb. He was awarded the outstanding young farmer of Dubois County in 1959. He was an organizer of the Dubois Volunteer Fire Department and served as its president. He was a past –Advisory Board member of Memorial Hospital & Health Care Center in Jasper. He also was a member of the Dubois Development Corporation. He is a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Dubois, Charter member of the Dubois Community Club and served as it president . Charter member of the Dubois Jaycee’s. Jasper Knight of Columbus, Jasper Moose Club, Dubois County Museum and served as a board member. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Otis Bowen and Gov. Robert Orr and received the Kentucky Colonel Distinction. Funeral services for Dennis Heeke will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday (August 17, 2009) in St. Raphael Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Raphael Cemetery. Friends may call from 11-8 p.m. Sunday at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Raphael’s Catholic Church or to Dubois Community Park or a favorite charity.