Christopher James Hecknauer
December 4, 2012
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On Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, Christopher James Hecknauer, 32, of Williamsport, was declared cancer free by his Lord and Savior! Chris' final days were spent at The Gatehouse with loved ones by his side.
Chris was born on Sept. 30, 1980, in Muncy, Pa., to James and Joanne (Kile) Hecknauer, Cogan Station. Chris was a 1999 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and a 2001 graduate of Antonelli Institute, Glenside, Pa., where he received an associate degree in photography.
Chris married Stephanie (Smith) Hecknauer on Oct. 8, 2005, at Fairlawn Community Church, Cogan Station. Anyone who met these two could not deny that God created them for each other. Chris and Steph were the proud parents of two Rottweilers, Bad Bad Leroy Brown, 12 and Eva Marie, 6.
Chris' employers included Weis Market, Williamsport; Wal-Mart, Montoursville; Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Montoursville; and Integrity Building Systems, Milton.
Some of Chris' favorite activities were rooting for the Phillies, traveling, going to car shows, hunting, watching rodeos and listening to music. He had a love for ice cream, buying clothes and seeing how long he could grow his beard. Chris was proud to be able to watch his three nieces grow into beautiful young ladies that prayed for him continuously. He was a member of Fairlawn Community Church, Cogan Station.
Chris is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Smith) Hecknauer, Williamsport; parents, James and Joanne (Kile) Hecknauer, Cogan Station; paternal grandmother, Florence (Coney) Hecknauer, Muncy; maternal grandparents, Robert and Jean (Robbins) Kile, Hughesville; in-laws, Daniel and Cindy (Ranck) Smith Sr., Montgomery; brothers-in-law, Daniel Smith Jr., Allenwood and Corey (Amanda) Smith, Williamsport; nieces, Arlie Kay, Emily Rose and Sydney Marie Smith; several loving aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as amazing friends, Pastor Steve Halstead, Williamsport, Matt Mitchley, Ashburn, Va., Jared Polin, Philadelphia, and Greg Cazillo, Downingtown.
Chris is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Carl Hecknauer Sr.; great-grandparents; an aunt and an uncle.
Chris' Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at Fairlawn Community Church, 353 Pleasant Hill Road, Cogan Station, with Pastor Steve Cutter and Pastor Steve Halstead officiating. This event is to celebrate the amazing life that Chris lived. Please come wearing something you think Chris would enjoy - Phillies gear, camo or more traditional attire if you prefer. Contact the church at 570-494-0414 with any questions.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fairlawn Community Church, c/o Stephanie Hecknauer, 353 Pleasant Hill Road, Cogan Station, PA 17728 to help with expenses.
A heart felt thank you goes out to the numerous people who have supported and prayed for Chris over the years, his Oncologist Dr. Khalil, the staff at the Geisinger Knapper Clinic and BP8, and the amazing people at The Gatehouse.
Chris fought his battle with cancer for almost six years. The strength and courage he showed was unbelievable. He was a true warrior. Through it all, he clung to his faith, family and always kept his sense of humor. He hopes that you do the same.
***
I went to his celebration of life. It was an awesome way to honor the life of someone you love! They played music and we sang his favorite songs. The had a sermon on suffering...it was an awesome way to pay tribute to your loved one. They had pictures all over. I finally got to hug and talk to my dear friend, Steph. His wife and my friend since the 8th grade. I told her she is a bigger person than I. I don't know if I could have done what she has for the last 6/7 years of constant care. They got married Oct 8, 2005 and by Feb 2006 they discovered the cancerous tumor on his face. I told her I haven't forgot about them. I know it's been so hard over the years to get together because of how Chris was feeling, but I have prayed right along with them all this time. I told her all the "firsts" are some of the hardest days, but she will get through. Take it a day at a time, a minute at a time. She is the type of friend where you don't need to talk everyday, or for long periods of time, but you know they are always going to be there. And you know when you do talk it's like no time has ever passed. She has helped Chris through this awful disease with such grace and faith. She was there for Chris all this time, but he was also sent to help save her too. Her faith has only grown stronger in God since she met Chris. She loved out loud, even though they may not have known it. And her abiding faith and loving bond has spoke volumes! You are both such an amazing couple. You both have been an inspiration and example to me! Chris is walking with Jesus in Heaven, in a new body, and probably cracking jokes. :) I pray for strength, comfort and peace for Steph and their whole family in the coming days, weeks, months..., as Chris was also an only child. Love you all! ***
Chris was born on Sept. 30, 1980, in Muncy, Pa., to James and Joanne (Kile) Hecknauer, Cogan Station. Chris was a 1999 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and a 2001 graduate of Antonelli Institute, Glenside, Pa., where he received an associate degree in photography.
Chris married Stephanie (Smith) Hecknauer on Oct. 8, 2005, at Fairlawn Community Church, Cogan Station. Anyone who met these two could not deny that God created them for each other. Chris and Steph were the proud parents of two Rottweilers, Bad Bad Leroy Brown, 12 and Eva Marie, 6.
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Christopher James Hecknauer
Some of Chris' favorite activities were rooting for the Phillies, traveling, going to car shows, hunting, watching rodeos and listening to music. He had a love for ice cream, buying clothes and seeing how long he could grow his beard. Chris was proud to be able to watch his three nieces grow into beautiful young ladies that prayed for him continuously. He was a member of Fairlawn Community Church, Cogan Station.
Chris is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Smith) Hecknauer, Williamsport; parents, James and Joanne (Kile) Hecknauer, Cogan Station; paternal grandmother, Florence (Coney) Hecknauer, Muncy; maternal grandparents, Robert and Jean (Robbins) Kile, Hughesville; in-laws, Daniel and Cindy (Ranck) Smith Sr., Montgomery; brothers-in-law, Daniel Smith Jr., Allenwood and Corey (Amanda) Smith, Williamsport; nieces, Arlie Kay, Emily Rose and Sydney Marie Smith; several loving aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as amazing friends, Pastor Steve Halstead, Williamsport, Matt Mitchley, Ashburn, Va., Jared Polin, Philadelphia, and Greg Cazillo, Downingtown.
Chris is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Carl Hecknauer Sr.; great-grandparents; an aunt and an uncle.
Chris' Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at Fairlawn Community Church, 353 Pleasant Hill Road, Cogan Station, with Pastor Steve Cutter and Pastor Steve Halstead officiating. This event is to celebrate the amazing life that Chris lived. Please come wearing something you think Chris would enjoy - Phillies gear, camo or more traditional attire if you prefer. Contact the church at 570-494-0414 with any questions.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fairlawn Community Church, c/o Stephanie Hecknauer, 353 Pleasant Hill Road, Cogan Station, PA 17728 to help with expenses.
A heart felt thank you goes out to the numerous people who have supported and prayed for Chris over the years, his Oncologist Dr. Khalil, the staff at the Geisinger Knapper Clinic and BP8, and the amazing people at The Gatehouse.
Chris fought his battle with cancer for almost six years. The strength and courage he showed was unbelievable. He was a true warrior. Through it all, he clung to his faith, family and always kept his sense of humor. He hopes that you do the same.
***
I went to his celebration of life. It was an awesome way to honor the life of someone you love! They played music and we sang his favorite songs. The had a sermon on suffering...it was an awesome way to pay tribute to your loved one. They had pictures all over. I finally got to hug and talk to my dear friend, Steph. His wife and my friend since the 8th grade. I told her she is a bigger person than I. I don't know if I could have done what she has for the last 6/7 years of constant care. They got married Oct 8, 2005 and by Feb 2006 they discovered the cancerous tumor on his face. I told her I haven't forgot about them. I know it's been so hard over the years to get together because of how Chris was feeling, but I have prayed right along with them all this time. I told her all the "firsts" are some of the hardest days, but she will get through. Take it a day at a time, a minute at a time. She is the type of friend where you don't need to talk everyday, or for long periods of time, but you know they are always going to be there. And you know when you do talk it's like no time has ever passed. She has helped Chris through this awful disease with such grace and faith. She was there for Chris all this time, but he was also sent to help save her too. Her faith has only grown stronger in God since she met Chris. She loved out loud, even though they may not have known it. And her abiding faith and loving bond has spoke volumes! You are both such an amazing couple. You both have been an inspiration and example to me! Chris is walking with Jesus in Heaven, in a new body, and probably cracking jokes. :) I pray for strength, comfort and peace for Steph and their whole family in the coming days, weeks, months..., as Chris was also an only child. Love you all! ***
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