John Hekking

Celebrating the Life of
JOHN FRITS HEKKING
(June 2, 1944- May 19, 2020)

John Frits Hekking, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the side of his beloved wife, Karen Thomsen Hekking, on May 19, 2020 after suffering from multiple health issues.

Born in The Netherlands on June 2, 1944 to Annie Elizabeth Boumeester and Jan Steklenburg.

John met his high school sweetheart back in 1961 and has been married to Karen for 58 years. Together they have 4 loving children: Debra Ann Hekking Jenkins (Troy Jenkins), Anthony John Hekking (Kelli Hekking), Sandra Lee Hekking Jones (Brent Jones), and Daniel Jan Hekking.

In 1954, when John was 9 years old, he and his mother were pioneers in their own right. Their love for the gospel brought them to Salt Lake City with his mom having only a couple of suitcases, $50 in her wallet, and a wonderful sponsored family.

Anyone who met John, couldn’t help but love him. He always showed genuine love and compassion to everyone he met. His demeanor was soft spoken, loving, and kind. However, he did have one CRAZY sense of humor that oftentimes left everyone laughing so hard, their faces would hurt.

John was a Sr. Vice President in the semi-conductor industry and brought success to everything he touched.

John lived his life as a true missionary and held many positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Legally blind since his early 40s, John would manage to help those in need around the neighborhood and strangers he met in the street, driving his golf cart with tools needed, to get the job done.

Even in death, John continues to help others by donating his corneas which will allow 2 other individuals the ability to see.

He was survived by his family mentioned above, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: John, Tyler, Trace, Cameron, Parker, Kayla, Hazel, Payton, Rylie, Paul and Laura.

Loved by his family, friends, and all who knew and met him, John’s legacy of love, compassion, and service is a legacy we can all aspire to. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but we are comforted to know he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and those loved ones who have gone before him and …by the way… HE NOW CAN SEE! We love you, Dad and will miss you. Til we meet again…..Big Mountains & Trees.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 11:00 A.M at 1373 North 3200 West, Provo UT 84601. Adhering to 6 feet social distancing, there will be no viewing, but a celebration of John’s life by walking through his fondest memories starting at the north side entrance gate to the backyard, and walking across the yard through John’s favorite times here on earth, and exiting at the southside gate. We kindly ask that guests be considerate of others by wearing masks. In addition, the Family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made in John Hekking’s name to the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind. To make a donation by mail, phone, in person, or for information regarding a bequeath, contact: Amy Zaharis, amyz@usdb.org. Mailing address: Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, 42 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, UT 84404.