Steve Heckenbach

***  CELEBRATION OF LIFE VISITATION,  FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH, 2026. ***

Steve Heckenbach, 71, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Steven Allen was born on October 3, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Thomas Louis and Lenora Irene (Carver) Heckenbach. He graduated from Jameson High School in the Class of 1972, the only boy in the class of nine students.

Following graduation, he moved to Iowa to be closer to his Dad. Steve started working alongside him at McCunn’s in Greenfield, the local John Deere Implement. Turning wrenches and getting things running as they should, came naturally to him. The local farmers wanted Steve working on their equipment and requested him, leading to long days during the planting and harvest seasons. Later in life, Steve enjoyed helping on Dale Leander’s farm; the two of them also went on fishing trips to Canada and purchased a Dale Earnhardt car.

Steve married Julie Lyn Miller on November 27, 1975, in Greenfield. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Amy and Sara. Julie’s parents, Bob and Sonja Miller, with whom he remained close to after the divorce, taught Steve to fly and also encouraged him to join the Iowa Highway Patrol.

Steve graduated from the Iowa Department of Public Safety Academy in January 1978. His first post assignment was in Washington, Iowa, and during this time Steve was selected to participate in a pilot program where motorcycles were tested for patrol use on Iowa highways. He later transferred to Post 3 in Atlantic. Steve felt truly honored to play a big role in a major drug bust in 1988. When interviewed following the incident, in his true humble style, Steve said, “I just want to do my job and be left alone.” He served as an Iowa State Trooper, #279, for 13 years before a line of duty injury forced him into early retirement. Following retirement, Steve worked as a Cass County Dispatcher and served as Cass County Magistrate.

Steve spent countless hours tinkering in his garage restoring lawn mowers and vehicles. You never knew what his next project would be, including rebuilding his 1947 Willys that had trees growing up through it in the field where he discovered it. He commented just the other day it was almost time to get it out of winter storage. Steve had many hobbies including riding motorcycles, golf and driving around town in his Willys with his mannequin friend Mona. If you stopped by his house, you could find him sitting at his kitchen table drinking coffee or iced tea while watching NASCAR, drag racing, a crime show or college softball. The day was not complete until he ate a bowl of vanilla ice cream covered in strawberries!

Steve loved his family and was extremely proud of us all. There was never a doubt he would be in the stands for sporting events or just there for us in general as our biggest fan! He loved his cat Nonie. He enjoyed the simple things in life, saying to family, “I am good where I am at” or “I have everything I need on my little corner of the world.” Steve was definitely one of a kind and had a huge soft spot for those less fortunate and an enormous heart. Once you met him you would never forget him!

Steve was baptized by Pastor Claude Wood at the United Church of Christ on December 13, 1987. As a family, our hearts are broken and there are a lot of unanswered questions. We ask you to remember Steve and share your memories with us. Your thoughts and prayers will provide us comfort in the days ahead.

Steve was our rock and will be deeply missed by our family, including daughters, Amy (Tim) Bengard and Sara (Paul) Wood; grandchildren, Gavin, Riley and Brady; sisters, Karen “Susie” (Walt) Deering and Pam (Jimmy) Horner; companion for over 20 years, Kelli Garrett; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Heckenbach and Callie Heckenbach; mother-in-law, Sonja Miller; and many extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Tom Heckenbach; mom, Lenora Barnett; brothers, Tom Heckenbach and Mike Heckenbach; father-in-law, Robert Miller; and dear friend, Loren Thomas.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, April 17th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Steve was honored by the Iowa State Patrol Honor Guard in a private flag presentation.

In lieu of flowers and memorial gifts, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to organizations in honor of Steve’s giving spirit.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Steve’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.