Obituary of Keith Alan Heck

Keith Alan Heck was born on August 17, 1972, in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of four children born to Glen and Bonnie (Snavely) Heck. Keith attended Zion Lutheran School from kindergarten through eighth grade.  He graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1990.

Keith married the love of his life, the former Shawna Chaffin on April 7, 2001. He was an excellent provider and for twenty-five years was employed in the family business, GBK Wood Products. The past ten years he was a proud member of the Laborers’ International Union Local 221 in Detroit, Michigan.

A “tinkerer”, Keith could fix anything. He saw value in discarded items and often rescued furniture and appliances to give them a second life. Naturally, “American Pickers” was among his favorite television programs. He also frequently tuned into Western movies. Keith had an eclectic taste in music but especially enjoyed classic country. He loved being out on the water and often cast a line beside his best fishing buddy, his father: Glen.  A proud “Papa” himself, Keith cherished his role as a grandfather. He always ensured the holidays were extra special for the grandchildren and no gift was over-the-top as far as he was concerned. He once quite memorably purchased his two-year-old grandson a giant bounce house as a birthday gift. Keith was a people person and always rooted for the underdog. He had a huge heart and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Keith Alan Heck, age 50, of Monroe, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday; April 20, 2023. His passing was preceded by his father: Glen Heck in 2020; paternal grandparents: Horace and Irene Heck; and maternal grandparents: Clarence and Dorothy Snavely.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of thirty-one years: Shawna Heck; three children: Kaitlyn Mullins, Alexandria Sparks, and Ethan Heck (Alexis Kennedy); four grandchildren: Bronson, Luna, Armani, and Atley; mother: Bonnie Heck; two sisters: Glenda (Mark) Weddington and Cheryl (Jeff) Ducey; one brother: Brian Heck; and beloved canine companions: “Mindy-Blu” and “Waylon Jennings”, mother and son pit-bulls.

Friends may gather on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Keith’s Life will begin at 4:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor B.J. McDaniel officiating. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan. Keith’s cremated remains will be scattered along with his father’s in the Butterfly Garden at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Monroe County Humane Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.