Thelma D. Busman) Hecksel

Thelma D. (Busman) Hecksel, age 91, of Lowell, formerly of Ravenna and Nunica, passed away at Metron of Belding Nursing Home, under hospice care surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Nunica, Michigan, on May 19, 1927, the daughter of Fred and Marie (Postema) Busman. Following her education in rural Nunica schools, she joined in the war effort and went to work with many of her classmates. Always an adventurous spirit, as a teenager she traveled on the train to explore Chicago, which she had heard stories about from a supervisor where she worked. Thelma married Elmer Hecksel in 1945 and worked the family farm with him. They started their family in Nunica then relocated to Ravenna where they farmed until retirement. She moved to Fremont for a while and moved to Lowell to be nearer to family about 5 years ago.

Thelma leaves a large family to cherish her memory, including children Glenn E. Hecksel of Orleans, Gary (Lois) Hecksel of Byron Center, Nancy Ryan of Grant and Kenneth (Erin) Hecksel of Lowell; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great grandchild; brothers, Don Busman of Florida and LJ “Whitey” Busman of Fremont; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, a daughter, Carol Mankel, a grandson Michael Ryan and a daughter-in-law, Ilene “Tweet” Hecksel and 11 brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. The family will greet visitors at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Private interment services will take place at Coopersville, Michigan. Those planning an expression of sympathy are welcome to consider a memorial contribution in Thelma’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.