Lawrence D. Hecht, 84, of Merrill, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Unity Point Health in Sioux City, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at St. Joseph Church Ellendale, rural Merrill, Iowa. Father Bruce Lawler will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation with the family present will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Lawrence Dennis Hecht was born on January 12, 1936 in Merrill, Iowa, the son of Dennis and Violet (Anderson) Hecht. He attended elementary school and later graduated from Liberty Consolidated High School. Following school, Lawrence began farming with his family.

On February 4, 1967, Lawrence and Erma Thompson were united in marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellendale. They made their home on a farm near the church. Lawrence served with the 185th Air National Guard in Sioux City, Iowa for 8 years.

Lawrence was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellendale. He also served on the cemetery committee. In earlier years, he enjoyed square dancing with Erma. Lawrence was skilled with machinery, woodworking and carpentry. In his later years he cultivated large gardens and rounded out most days with a crossword puzzle.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Erma Hecht of rural Merrill, Iowa; three daughters and their husbands, Diana and Tim Gehman of Indianola, IA, Susan Hecht and Len White of Culver City, CA and Cathy and Patrick Kearney of Des Moines, IA; a grandson, Brogan Kearney of Sergeant Bluff, IA; a sister, Collette Hughes and her husband, Skip of Arnolds Park, IA; and a brother, Ralph Hecht and his wife, Karen of Merrill, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant sister, Helen Hecht.