Michael R. VanHecke, 81, of Rock Island, passed away Wednesday June 28, 2017 at St. Anthony's Care Center, Rock Island.

Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 - 7th Ave., Rock Island. Cremation will be accorded following visitation and Inurnment will be at a later date.

Michael was born February 19, 1936 to Harry S VanHecke and Eileen (Reece) VanHecke. He was the first of eight children. Graduated from Alleman High School in 1954.  Worked at Rock Island Bridge and Iron Works were he was involved in union activates.  Attended Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University where he studied Business.  While attending WIU he co-owned a record store, The Red Caboose.  Married Nancy Johnson in 1984. Later went on to retire from Best Buy.  He loved his family and was especially proud of all of his many nieces and nephews.

Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy Johnson-VanHecke, and sisters Regina (Milder) Buckman and Colleen Winters plus many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, a brother Tim VanHecke, and his sisters Rebecca Koehler, Mary Lambert, Kristine VanHecke, and Collette Upcraft.