Service Information
Donald “Don” W. Hecht, age 92, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Obituary
Donald “Don” Wayne Hecht was born on October 25, 1933, in Lakefield, Minnesota. He was the son of Elmer and Edith (Koster) Hecht. Don was baptized as an infant, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield. He received his education in Lakefield, and was a graduate of the Lakefield High School Class of 1951. Don furthered his education at South Dakota State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.
Don entered active military service in the United States Army on November 23, 1956, in Lakefield, and served his country during Peacetime. He received an Honorable Discharge on November 22, 1958, at Fort Lewis, Washington, and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.
On October 28, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Phyllis Hellwinckel at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Janell. Don and Phyllis resided in Litchfield, Minnesota, and later made their home in Hutchinson in 1965. They shared 69 years of marriage.
Don was employed as a pharmacist at a variety of pharmacies, including Hutch Drug for 18 years, Snyder Drug, Keavey Drug, and Rexall Drug. He retired in 2011. Don was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, active in the church choir and several church committees. He was also a lifetime member of the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96.
Don enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapshooting, flying as a pilot, and traveling. He had a love for birds and would set up a Purple Martin birdhouse every summer. Don also enjoyed playing cards, reading, and sports. Don especially cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
Don passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson at the age of 92 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Don is survived by his:
Wife, Phyllis Hecht of Hutchinson, MN;
Son, Jeffrey Hecht and his wife, Cora of Beverly Hills, FL;
Daughter, Janell Watkins and special friend, John Fuchs of Hackensack, MN;
Grandchildren, Christina (Adrian Bandy) Hecht, Benjamin Hecht, Matthew Watkins, and Alexander Watkins;
Great-grandchild, Peyton Watkins;
Brother, Charles Hecht and his wife, Leatrice of Windom, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Don is preceded in death by his Parents, Elmer and Edith Hecht; Sisters, Elaine Kolander and Charlene Hecht (in infancy).
Liz B. says
Phyllis,
Don was a ray of sunshine, always so knowledgeable, pleasant, and fun to visit with. I appreciated him so much when he was the pharmacist.
He will be greatly missed but know he was ready for his Heavenly Home!
Scott and Liz Brusehaver
Mardi Carlson says
Phyllis, Janell and Jeff,
I’m am so sorry for your loss. Don reminds me of many good memories growing up. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
Kathy Berghuis says
Sending hugs! We were happy to get to know Don. He was a character.
peter juul says
Don was a side by side work colleague at Hutch Drug for about 20 years. My mother greatly enjoyed working with him. I often needed to call down to the store while my Mom was at work and the phone was answered by Don who asked me how I was and with a promise to have my Mom call back. Don was a pleasant and patient man. Often I asked “how was work today.” The answer, “it was good I worked with Don Hecht.”
Joan says
Dear phyllis it was a pleasure working with Tou And Din as a care giver. Such a wonderful man. Sending prayers to you and your family. Joan Doering
Joandoering says
Dear Phyills Don was such a good man I enjoyed taking care of Don and you Phyills. Sending my condolences to you and your family .
Michael Madsen says
I’m very sorry for your loss.Phyllis,Janelle and Jeff….God bless you……
Robin Baysinger says
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with him when he filled in at Jacoby Drug, and chatting about Purple Martins.
Prayers for your family
Cheryl Kochie says
There are no words. God’s Blessings.
Bev Czmowski says
So sorry for Your Loss Phyllis.
Take care!
Andrea says
Phyllis, Jeff, Janell and Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Don was such a great guy, and neighbor. He will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dieter and Sharon says
Phyllis and family – we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Don. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. You were wonderful friends and neighbors at the lake and in town.
Fran Fier says
My sincere sympathy to you, Phyllis and your family.
Fran Fier and family
(Bebe)
Kristin Briggs says
Phyllis and family,
I have known Don since I worked at Snyder drug store for Mr. Ted Beatty when I was in high school., Don was a pharmacist . He was always upbeat, kind to everyone who walked into the store.
. He either made people laugh or smile. He carried an an infectious smile on his face. Don was one of the kindest people I have known on my journey throughout this life. Anyone who crossed his path should consider themselves lucky to have known him. Blessed be his memory. I send my sympathy and prayers to all of you.
Kristin Briggs
Leroy and Darlene Karg says
Phyllis
We are sending prayers of comfort your way as your mourn the loss of Don
Leroy and Darlene Karg