Mabel Marie Heckerman

Mabel Marie Krebs Heckerman was born March 7, 1923, in Belt, the youngest daughter of Samuel A. Krebs and Anne Roxanne Krebs. She had three siblings: Gladys Krebs Gerhart, Clyde J. Krebs and Ray L. “Jack” Krebs. She attended Belt Valley High School and was the first in her family to pursue a college degree at Montana State University, where she graduated with a degree in teaching. She taught at Taft High School as well as nursing students at MSU.

On Feb. 8, 1945, she married her childhood sweetheart, Fred R. Heckerman, also a native of Belt. After the war, they lived in Bozeman while Fred finished his college degree.

After Fred's graduation, she traveled with Fred when he was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, where their son, Fred Jr. was born. They moved to California and lived in Venice, (where Brad was born), Los Angeles, Playa del Rey (where Susan was born) and Rolling Hills. They together founded the Heckerman Corporation, a manufacturer's representative firm. Their final move was back home to Missoula 10 years ago.

Mabel enjoyed sewing, cooking, skiing and traveling but, her most favorite sport was shopping.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a strong woman with a gentle soul. She was a friend to all who knew her and gave selflessly of her love.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Fred R. Heckerman Sr.; her eldest son, Fred R. Heckerman Jr. (Patsy); her second son, Brad B. Heckerman (Kapri); her daughter, Susan Heckerman Beisel (Bruce); and their families. She is also survived by her two sisters-in-law, Maribelle Krebs and Mildred Krebs, both of Montana. She had nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Croxford Funeral Home in Great Falls. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, also located in Great Falls. The family invites you to attend her services.