Carol A. Heckman

Carol graduated high school in 1960. She received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from U of M, Flint.

Carol taught elementary school for 30 years at Forest Park Schools in Crystal Falls. She loved teaching her students. She said 4th graders were the best age; not too immature, not too independent. She raised her daughters on a horse farm owned by her and then-husband John Harju. She and two of her daughters also enjoyed showing dogs at dog shows. Moving from the city to the country agreed with Carol. She learned many farming skills and even won the 4th of July hammering contest competing against the men. She also learned to be an EMT and was a volunteer for the ambulance service in Crystal Falls. She belonged to a local motorcycle club and particularly enjoyed their annual visits to show their motorcycles to the campers at Bay Cliff Health Camp. Carol was a fan of science fiction in both books and film. May the 4th be with you, Carol.

After retirement she moved to Gladstone. She raised parakeets and turned that hobby and knowledge into a part-time job for a few years at Pet Place. Living this close to the water was wonderful for her enjoyment of fishing. Gardening was yet another of her hobbies. It should also be noted it was a little nerve-wracking riding in a car with her due to her birdwatching hobby; you never knew when the brakes would be abruptly applied because she saw a bird. Her birdwatching has inspired her daughters to incorporate backyard bird feeding into their lives also.

Carol became a member of the Grace Church a few years ago and completely loved the church community. Anyone who ever talked to Carol realized within the first few minutes she had a silly wit to her. She loved to throw out one-liners or replies people did not expect. She loved people and always wanted to enjoy a laugh with everyone.

Carol loved being a grandmother to her five grandchildren, Jennifer and Jessica Ebner, Marc and John Nelson, and Dalton Harju.

Carol is survived by her daughters Lisa Ebner, Tracey Harju, and Connie (Steve) Nelson. Also, her nephews and nieces James Balla, David Balla, Susan Balla, and Judy Walsh. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Steve and Esther (Subora) Balla, brother Ronald Balla, and husband Robert Heckman.

Carol loved life and didn’t want people to mourn her passing by wearing dark colors. Please join us in sharing her colorful spirit by wearing cheerful colors. She would love that.

There will be a time of visitation from 1 until 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Grace Church, 528 28th Street, Gladstone, MI 49837. The memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. with Pastor Jordan Pardee officiating. Immediately following the service, you are cordially invited to join the family for a time of fellowship, food, and refreshments at the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone. Condolences may be left online by visiting http://andersonfuneralhomes.net