With deep sadness his family shares that Joseph Otto Heckl passed away on Friday, July 18 2025, at the Aurora Medical Center Grafton at the age of 83. Born in Milwaukee to Laura and Joseph Henry Heckl, Joe was a devoted husband and best friend to Patricia Heckl for 61 years, wonderful father to Julie (Kevin) McMahon and Andy (Jennifer Derbin) Heckl, and over-the-moon proud grandfather to Joey (Bre Campbell) McMahon, Mike McMahon, and Peter McMahon, all who he leaves behind to cherish his memory. He is further survived by additional family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Fred and Ruth Borchert, sister and brother-in-law Helen and Don Rodenkirk, brother-in-law Bill Borchert, and beloved grand-dog Stan.

Joe graduated from Rufus King High School, where he excelled as a student-athlete, and from the University of Wisconsin, where he played football and was a center on the 1963 Badger Rose Bowl team. He later earned his Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a teacher, coach, and administrator in school districts in Neillsville and Racine, WI, for 36 years Joe's guidance positively impacted the lives of many young students. Eventually in 2001 retirement granted Joe and Pat endless summertime fun at their Crystal Lake cottage and winter adventures in sunny Arizona.

Joe will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, always eager to help, quick witted, at the ready with a joke, pun, or funny story, loving to laugh. With boundless energy, Joe always lived a rich, active life, preferably outdoors. For many years he enjoyed summer cross country travels in the VW camper van, often exploring on the roads less traveled, as well as vacations on the Gulf beaches of Florida and Alabama. While in the North Woods Joe spent countless hours on the water, fishing and sailing, kayaking and canoeing, making time for a round of golf, all while completing an extensive cottage renovation along with his master carpenter friend. He was an avid daily swimmer, played golf and pickleball, bicycled, and hiked in Arizona, proudly summiting Picacho Peak in 2012. Quieter times would find Joe reading, playing Kings Corners, or challenging family to a game of Cribbage. He dabbled in furniture refinishing, upholstery, needlepoint, gardening, and crafting beautiful recycled paper German Star earrings and ornaments that he showed at craft fairs.

Ultimately being in the company of his family is what gave Joe the most joy. Recently asked about what was most important to him in life, or was his greatest achievement, he responded, "my family, my two great kids, and my grandkids……..and my cottage!"

In keeping with Joe's wishes, his family is honoring his memory privately.

Appreciation is extended to Ralyn Homecare, Lasata Senior Living Rehab, and Aurora Medical Center Grafton for their compassionate care during Joe's recent stays.

The family suggests donations to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or UNICEF to eradicate polio.