Obituary: Lieutenant Colonel Robert "RJ" J. Hecht Sr.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert "RJ" J. Hecht, Sr., U.S. Air Force, Retired, age 85, of Cloquet, passed away Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospice in Duluth, Minnesota after a six-year-long battle with cancer. RJ was born on Oct. 12, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Orville and Jewell (Deeb) Hecht. After retiring as a CRNA, he cherished his time surrounded by family and friends, finding joy in music, boating, fishing, and hunting. With his quick wit, quiet strength, and dry sense of humor, he brought laughter and warmth to everyone he met. He stayed active with the U.S. Power Squadron, Knights of Columbus, VFW, and Voyageur Country ATV. His distinguished career included 43 years of service in the Air National Guard, where his dedication and commitment earned him the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

RJ was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jean (Hedman) Hecht, brother, James Hecht and grandson, Logan Whitcomb. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Hecht; children, Robert (Lisa) John Hecht Jr. of Cloquet, MN, Matthew (Mary) Hecht of Cloquet, MN, Michelle (Tim) Twomey of Hibbing, MN, and Elizabeth (Mark) Malwitz of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren, Autumn Twomey, Hunter Twomey, Elizabeth (Zac) Golen, Connor Hecht, Laura Hecht, Kyle Hecht, and Liam Malwitz; sister, Mary Ann Hecht; cousin, Richard Allen; Margaret Hecht's children, Scott (Angel) Nyre, Susan (Alan) Nyre-Averill, Christine (Dean) Whitcomb, and dear friend, Larry Thieman, Sr.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, the family welcomes relatives and friends to celebrate and honor RJ's life. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet, Minnesota. A luncheon will be held immediately after the service. Inurnment will be held in the spring. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Queen of Peace School at https://www.osvhub.com/qopparish/giving/funds/school-scholarship or to Cretin-Durham Hall at https://www.cretin-derhamhall.org/alumni-advancement/support-cdh/donate/