Kenneth "Red / Fletcher" Paul Heczko, aged 79, of Ironwood, Michigan, passed away on February 28, 2024.

He was born on March 7, 1944, in Ironwood, Gogebic, Michigan. Kenneth attended Norrie School for primary education and graduated from Luther L. Wright in the Class of 1963. He furthered his education at Gogebic Community College.

Ken married the love of his life Virginia L Phillips at Salem Lutheran Church on Oct 2nd, 1965. They made their home in Ironwood, MI., where they raised their three children. Kenneth served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1972. He was a Heavy Diesel Mechanic at White Pine Mine in White Pine, Michigan, from 1966 to 1997. Kenneth enjoyed working on old cars, trains, snowmobiles, camping, and watching his grandchildren grow.  He worshipped at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church ELCA.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, John Heczko and Gertrude Elma West Heczko, brother John Harold (Sonny) Heczko, sisters-in-laws Marsha Kaquatosh Heczko, and Kristine Phillips Bennetts, brother-in-law Gerald "Gerry" Bennetts, and nephew Brian

Bennetts.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Phillips Heczko, daughters Jean Heczko of Ironwood, and Kim Sheffner-Heczko (Brian Sheffner) of Riceville, IA son Todd Heczko of Nashville, TN, Grandchildren McKayla Heczko (Kalvin Christensen)of Spring Branch, Texas, Morgan Koenigs, Ashley Koenigs, Tori Koenigs, and Jacob Sheffner-Heczko of Riceville, IA. He also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A visitation and service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood, MI from 10:00 A.M., followed by the service at 11:00 A.M. and lunch in the church basement. The burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery on July 19, 2024, following the service.

The family would like to thank Regional Hospice, and Village Caregiving Appleton WI/ Amy Colt and for all the other caregivers that have helped Ken over the years.