Gary "Buckwheat" Heesch

Gary "Buckwheat" Heesch, age 77 of Stillwater and formerly of Hastings, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, January 19, 2018, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings. Gary William, the son of Otto and Lillian (Gabbert) Heesch, was born on October 21, 1940, in Hankinson, North Dakota. Following his graduation from Hastings High School, Buckwheat began working at HD Hudson for a short time, and later Intek where he retired after 35 years of employment. Buckwheat enjoyed fishing, trapping, hunting, dancing, and was a fantastic cook. He also enjoyed nature and sitting outside on the deck watching the birds. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark in 2013, and by his siblings, Tom, Jimmy, John, Otto, Carol, Diane, and Donna. Buckwheat is survived by his significant other, Vicky Schlieper; daughters, Andrea (Mike) Fox and Amanda (Steve) Woods; grandchildren, Corrin Heesch, Kyle Heesch, Natalie (Alex) Fink, Riley Woods, Stephanie Woods, Meghan Heesch, Mallory (Hank) Kretman, Michael Heesch, Angel Heesch, and Brooke Heesch; siblings, Mike (Janice) Heesch, Patty (David) Carroll, and Bonnie Caneff; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings, with Reverend James Bzoskie officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.