Peter Fritz Hecker (1941-2024)

Peter Fritz Hecker, born in Germany in August 1941, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, after a brief battle with late-stage cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final days. He will be missed by his wife, Elaine Vieve Hecker (Siewert), his son, Gregory Hecker, and his cherished granddaughter, Melissa Hecker.

Peter’s life journey began in Germany, but in 1955, he and his family—his father, Ernst, his mother, Frieda, and his brother, Rainer—emigrated to the United States, settling in Long Island, NY. In High School, Peter excelled in soccer and earned a scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he showcased his athletic talents.

After the birth of his son, Gregory, in 1962, Peter began a successful career in aviation, joining the cargo division of Lufthansa German Airlines. Over the course of 31 years, his work took him to cities like New York, Philadelphia, the Lufthansa Training Center in Seeheim (near Frankfurt), Minneapolis, and San Francisco. He was an expert in handling and transporting dangerous goods. He also became an instructor for DGI (Dangerous Goods International), teaching certification courses to cargo handlers.

In 1987, Peter met and married his second wife, Elaine, in Minneapolis. The couple moved to San Mateo in 1991, and Peter retired from Lufthansa in 1993. Their shared dream of owning a business came true when they purchased Garry’s Lounge in Lodi, CA, where they enjoyed running the bar for five years. They also found their greatest joy in traveling and boating with friends along the San Joaquin Delta. Peter was also a member of Elk’s Lodge #1900 in Woodbridge, CA.

Peter’s charming personality, humor, and sense of adventure will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He knew how to enjoy life with the people he cared for most.

Friends are invited to join us for a life celebration party. Because that’s how he would have wanted it!

SUNDAY OCT.13 from 2:00-4:00pm

at Elk’s Lodge #1900

19071 N Lower Sacramento Rd,

Woodbridge, CA 95258

(Catering by The German Guys - authentic German food) 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/peter-hecker/obituary/

Copy