Della Wilhelmine Helena (Dieterich) Heckmann died at the age of 95 on October 25, 2022 at Georgetown, Texas.  She was born at home in Otto, Texas on December 5, 1926 to Ernst and Gretchen (Berndt) Dieterich.  On January 9, 1927 she became a child of God by baptism at Trinity Lutheran Church, Riesel, Texas. She confirmed that baptism vow on March 17, 1940 in a class of 19 young people and was given a memory verse and hymn in the German language. Psalm 143:10: "Lehre mich tun nach deinem Wohlgefallen, denn du bist mein Gott; dein guter Geist führe mich auf ebener Bahn." That is, "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."  Hymn 240: "Now I have Found the Firm Foundation."

Della's formal education grades one through nine, took place close to home at Zion and Trinity Lutheran Schools and Alexander and St. Paul Public Schools, all in Falls County, Texas.

Della's marriage to Rev. Harold A. Heckmann on July 26, 1945, was performed by Rev. E. A. Heckmann at Trinity, Riesel. He was Harold's father and the same pastor who officiated at her baptism and confirmation. Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Concordia Heckmann, was a wonderful mentor and example as a faithful pastor's wife. As a helpmeet, Della served with her husband in nine churches for 67 years:  in Idaho, Trinity-Parma and Mt. Calvary-Homedale; in Texas, Emmanuel-Littlefield, St. Paul-Harlingen, St. Stephen-Houston, St. Luke-Olney, Faith-Graham, and in semi-retirement, Pilgrim-Houston, and Good Shepherd-Cleveland.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Harold August Heckmann; her parents; sisters Lydia, Mabel Woodward, and Florence Synatschk Shockley; brothers Oscar, Alvin, Lawrence, and Leonard; brothers-in-law Gussie Woodward, Alton Synatschk, and Jarred Shockley; daughter-in-law Paula Heckmann. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Gary, Kathleen Fischer (Larry), Michael (Nancy), Lynette, Ronald (Valerie), Timothy (Annette); grandchildren and spouses, Piper, Aspen Gonzales, Sean, Wren Saylors (Andrew), Tamarisk, Adam (Emily), Nathan Fischer, Natalie Fischer Sanchez (Elliott), Joel Fischer (Casie), Mitchel, Hadley, Henry, Joshua, Lauren Holle (Will), and Conner; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Ernest and Kenneth (Elizabeth), sister-in-law Helen Dieterich, and hundreds of Dieterich and Heckmann in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family too numerous to mention.

Pallbearers include her six children. Honorary pallbearers include her grandsons and granddaughters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 8601 Chimney Rock, Houston, Texas on November 4, 10:30 am, with viewing at 9:30 am. A private family graveside service will be held at Klein Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to the Harold and Della (Dieterich) Heckmann Scholarship Fund at Concordia University, 11400 Concordia University Dr. Austin, TX 78726; Texas District Church Extension Fund, 7900 E US 290, Austin, TX 78724; or a charity of your choice.