Obituary: Scottie K. Hecker

Scottie Kevin Hecker was born on March 4, 1962, to Douglas and Margaret (Evenson) Hecker in Cloquet. During his childhood he lived in Blackhoof Valley and enjoyed playing basketball. Scottie graduated from Barnum High School in 1980. Following graduation, he worked as an operator at Chemstar in Carlton. In 1981, Scottie met the love of his life, Tammy Porter, at the Mahtowa Tavern. They were united in marriage on July 31, 1993, in Wisconsin Dells. They lived in the Twin Cities for 20 years and together were blessed with one daughter, Jazmyn, in 1997. During his time in the Twin Cities, Scottie worked as a machine operator for a printing company. Shortly after Jazmyn started attending school, Scottie's family moved back to Blackhoof Valley, where they built their forever home. He then worked as an armored truck driver. Scottie was a rock star and loved going to rock concerts with his wife and daughter. He also enjoyed camping with his family, four-wheeling at Hardings Hill, watching wrestling, eating spicy food, and cooking and grilling (some of his specialties were homemade salsa, beef jerky and chili). Scottie was a big fan of the Christmas holiday, the Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings. Scottie will be remembered for always being a jokester and for his great sense of humor. Scottie died peacefully at the age of 61 years, with his daughter lying by his side and his wife holding his hand on Feb. 9, 2024, at the Franciscan Health Center in Duluth.

Scottie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tammy Hecker, of Blackhoof Valley; daughter, Jazmyn (fiancé Cody Oak) Hecker of Floodwood; granddaughters, Aubree Oak (4 years old), and Alora Oak (10 months old); sister, Deborah (Larry) Axtell of Blackhoof Valley; nieces, Shanelle (David) Hurst and Justine (Troy) Miller; nephew, Jeremy (significant other, Tessa) Axtell; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Margaret Hecker.

A celebration of life for Scottie will be held 1-4 p.m. with a time of sharing memories at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.

Pine Knot News, Feb. 16, 2024