Jacob "Jake" Henry Hecker

Jacob “Jake” Henry Hecker, 82, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away November 19, 2018 at Lexington Park Nursing Home. Jake was born on July 30, 1936 in Wamego, Kansas. Son of Jacob S. Hecker and Opal Edwards Hecker. Jake graduated from Wamego High School in 1954. Jake married the love of his life, Rose McCaffrey on April 11, 1959 at Holy Name Catholic Church. Together they had six children. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad as an accounting supervisor, where he retired from in 1992.

Jake was an avid golfer. Once he retired, the golf course is where you would find him daily. He loved to travel and camp, and loved to coach and support his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams and activities. Jake was a founding parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church, a member of the Santa Fe Railroad Retiree’s Club, and was apart of the Lake Shawnee Men’s Golf Club. All his life he was a full supporter of his Kansas State Wildcats. He also loved his Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. Jake also was on the Shawnee Heights School Board for twelve years.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, and two siblings, Jean Dechairo and Jack Hecker.

Jake is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rose, their six children, Suzanne (Terry) Ukena, Mark (Dawn) Hecker, Ruthie (Florian) Browne, Matt (Kathy) Hecker, Paul (Lisa) Hecker, and Jeanie (Pete) McGinnis; his two brothers, Richard and Jerry Hecker; four sisters, Mary (Jack) Akin, Winifred (Galen) Hinson, Ann Augustine, and Virginia Webster; fifteen grandchildren, Erin, Kyle, Justin, Stephanie, Samantha, Andy, Jessica, Amy, Amber, Allison, Rian, Ben, Olivia, Emma, and Wyatt; and ten great grandchildren, Bryce, Anthony, Amaya, Lauren, Elon, Cole, Cambree, Carleigh, Haven, and Jack.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 9:00 a.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. 800 SW Sixth Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603.