Perry Hekkel, 73, passed away at Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson on June 5, 2021.

Perry LaVern Hekkel was born January 7th, 1948 in Williston, North Dakota to John “Pete” and Lorena Hekkel. Perry was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Culbertson. Pete and Lorena raised Perry to first have faith in God, to be polite and respectful, and to love everyone.

Perry attended school in Culbertson. He was very proud of his job as a worker for S & S Sanitation, serving Culbertson, Bainville, and Froid. He was off to work early mornings for six years, never missing a day of work. After that, he also worked for two additional garbage truck businesses.

Perry’s sister, Marcia “Marcie”, was a constant and inseparable companion. Perry always looked out for and protected his little sister. On one occasion, Marcie and Perry walked to school and the weather turned chilly during the day. When they returned home that afternoon, Marcie had on Perry’s warm jacket and Perry was squeezed into Marcie’s tiny sweater because he didn’t want his sister to be cold. Marcie helped Perry with a special hooked rug craft that when finished was turned into a pillow. She patiently took each strand of wool and handed it to Perry so he could ‘hook’ them into the pattern. Perry kept ‘Fox’ beside him always, his treasure. Marcie’s favorite endearment was to call Perry ‘Harry Pickle’.

Perry’s cousins meant the world to him. Whenever he saw one of them, his face would light up a room. With large families on both sides, there are countless memories of cousin fun. On the farm, building a clubhouse, playing outside, and cousin birthday parties, to name a few. As an adult, Perry loved being in on all birthday celebrations and family gatherings. He thoroughly enjoyed making trips to Williston to Walmart with cousin Sharon Salvevold, having a hamburger and Pepsi after shopping. Sharon gave him much time, attention, and care over the years. Perry loved riding his bike. He enjoyed morning coffee hour at the Wild West Diner with his dad and cousin Larry Hekkel, drinking his favorite, a Pepsi. Every one of Perry's 40+ cousins loved him dearly and has precious memories to keep in their hearts forever.


Perry loved animals. His favorite pet as a child was a white pig named The Judge. The Judge followed Perry everywhere on the farm. Often, he would comment, “Here comes The Judge!” In later years, his dog, Barfy, was dear to his heart.

Perry was full of good humor and loved to laugh. He was pure love, kindness, and a very joyful soul who knew and loved Jesus as his Savior.

Survivors include his loving mother, Lorena Hekkel; aunts, Adeline Rasmussen, Jeanie Hekkel, Christine Jensen, Ila Mae Mattingley, and Mavis Schledewitz; cousins and cousins once and twice-removed.

Perry was preceded in death by his father, Pete; his sister, Marcia; his grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

Memorial Contribution

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