Shawn L. Heckathorn

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Shawn L. Heckathorn, 57, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Coleen; children, David (Vanessa), Christina, Alycia (Aaron), Brittany (Ian) and Brian (Clare); grandchildren, Tyler, Spencer, Paige, Alejandro, Jackson, Aaliyah and Camden; brothers, Michael (Tammy) and Jesse (Brenda); many nieces and nephews; and mother-in-law, Betty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Shirley.

Shawn was born in Logansport, Indiana. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in Ridgecrest, California. While serving in the Navy, he spent time stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where he met his wife, Coleen. After several years proudly serving his country, he and his family settled in Ironwood. He spent the last nearly 20 years working diligently for Charter Communications in various capacities.

Shawn's greatest joys in life were spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved taking road trips to visit family and was always ready to help his family with various location changes - even some trips bringing him across the country. Shawn loved to make his special pancakes on Sunday mornings before church, followed by watching the Green Bay Packers and eating his favorite chili cheese dogs. He especially loved camping, making sure everyone had their favorite snacks and playing games while sitting around the fire. All his family and friends knew there was never a shortage of "Dad jokes," or theme-filled songs about his beloved pets.

Shawn's presence will be missed greatly by those around him.

A celebration of Shawn's life will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Lighthouse Faith Center, 301 E. Aurora St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Thomas Rouse officiating.

Following the service, full military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, a charity focused on helping veterans which Shawn passionately supported.

The Heckathorn family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Aspirus Ironwood oncology team and the Home Health and Hospice team who provided compassionate care for Shawn.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.