Dr. Aldred A. Heckman, 83, passed away on Monday evening June 30, 2025, at home with family.

He was born in St. Paul, MN on July 22, 1941, the son of Aldred & Carol (King) Heckman. He married Nina Kolb on August 8, 1964, in Northfield, MN.

Aldred also (known also as Al and Bud) is survived by his wife- Nina; sons- Christopher (Renee Burton) Heckman of Seattle, WA, David Heckman of Champaign, IL, Andrew (Heather) Heckman of Chicago, IL; Grandchildren- Kenai Burton-Heckman of Verona, WI, Violet and Juniper Heckman of Chicago, IL; sister- Nancy Thompson of Downingtown, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Morrison.

Bud received his bachelor’s degree from Carleton College and Doctor of Medicine from University of Minnesota. After medical school he served eight years in the Army at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. There he had the experience as a cardiology fellow of attending President Lyndon Johnson. Bud was a cardiologist at Christie Clinic from 1975 until his retirement in 1999.  

He loved skiing which eventually became a family favorite. He also enjoyed canoeing in Boundary water and took all three sons on their first canoe trips. He spent many summers at a friend’s cabin on Deer Lake, MN fishing with several old college friends.

After retirement he acted in many community theater productions at Parkland, CUTU, The Station Theater and Krannert Center for performing arts. He twice had the opportunity to share the stage with his son, David. He also worked as a volunteer at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and enjoyed attending many classes at OLLI.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 26 from 2-5:00 p.m. at the I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S. 1st Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Condolences may be made at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com