Laura V. Heckel, 99, Harwood Heights, IL, passed away Friday, April 27, 2018 at Central Baptist Village in Norridge, IL.  She was born in Bushnell, IL on June 27, 1918, the daughter of Seth and Mona (Sparks) Hulett and was the youngest of three daughters. She attended a one room rural school until attending Bushnell High School.  After graduating in 1937, she moved to Chicago where she attended The National School of Cosmeticians and graduated in March 1938.  Laura married Howard A. Heckel in Norwood Park, IL on October 11, 1941.  WWII was declared shortly thereafter and Howard enlisted in the Navy where he was initially stationed in San Diego, CA.  Laura followed Howard out to San Diego and obtained employment in a defense plant constructing B-24 aircraft.  Soon after Howard's discharge from the Navy, they took up residence at the family farm located at the corner of Harlem and Gunnison.  Here, they raised peonies, herbs and vegetables.  While living on the farm, they started their family with the births of daughter, Jane (Kraus) and son, Brock.  Howard and Laura celebrated 58 years of marriage before he passed away on January 11, 2000.

Laura was a long standing and active member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school, sold plants from her portable stand at the annual bazaar, and participated in planning an annual Hawaiian Luau.  When St. Andrew merged with Norwood Park Presbyterian church, Friendship Presbyterian Church was born and Laura continued to be an active member by making sandwiches for the homeless and prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. She particularly looked forward to attending the church's Friday Night Love Songs.  Laura also enjoyed gardening, fishing, sewing and spending time and doing all she could for her family.

Survivors include her children; Jane (Leroy) Kraus, and Brock (Melonie) Heckel, her grandchildren; Amy (William) Hardy, Kevin (Jacqueline) Kraus, Kristin (Jonathan) Flodder, and Grant Heckel, her great-grandchildren; Ethan, Daniel, and Caden Hardy and Andrew Flodder.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters; Bessie and Mildred.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 2, from 5-8 PM with services held on Thursday, May 3 at 10 AM, at Kolbus-May Funeral Home, 6857 W. Higgins Ave., Chicago, IL 60656.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friendship Presbyterian Church and dropped off at Kolbus-May Funeral Home or mailed to Friendship Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 311000, Chicago, IL 60631.  Online condolences may be submitted at www.kolbusmayfh.com