Martha E. Van Hecke, 99, of Rock Island, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, 153 19th Ave., Moline. Visitation will be one-hour prior to the service from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial with military honors will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Memorials may be made to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, Moline or to the family for an education fund for Martha's great grandchildren.

Martha was born September 21, 1922, in New Windsor, Illinois, a daughter of Charlie R. and Stella M. (Kasenberg) Veeder. She served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) of the U.S. Navy. Martha then married Joseph H. Van Hecke on June 9, 1947 at St. Mary's Rectory, Moline. He preceded her in death on April 29, 2018. Martha worked as the clinic coordinator at the Easterseals Foundation for 20 years, retiring in 1984. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and writing letters.

Those left to cherish Martha's memory include her daughter, Cyndy Anderson, Rock Island; grandson, Scott (Andrea) Anderson, Rock Island; and great grandchildren, Lillian, Sadie, and Wyatt.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Joseph; her parents; two brothers; and four sisters.