Althea J. (Byers) Hechsel

Althea Jane Hechsel, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the age of 95, in Coon Rapids, MN. Born on August 10, 1929, in Storden, MN to Harvey and Hilda (Engler) Byers.

Althea attended country school and graduated from high school at the age of 16. She moved to Minneapolis to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Despite her young age, she received special approval to attend nursing school.

In the heart of Minneapolis, Althea met her beloved husband, Howard Hechsel. They united in marriage on March 18, 1950, in a Baptist church in Westbrook, MN. Together, they built a life filled with love, until Howard's untimely passing in 1979 and was left to navigate life as a single mother. 

While raising her family in Minneapolis and Isanti, Althea provided daycare at her home and later worked evenings at Grandview Christian Home as an RN, as well as at a weight loss clinic in Woodbury. She never lost her passion for nursing, maintaining her RN license well into her 70s. To stay active in her community, she worked at video stores in St. Francis and Isanti, always seeking ways to connect with others and keep her mind sharp.

She was a fan of jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, Scrabble and gardening. A longtime member of Long Lake Lutheran Church in Isanti, she found joy in participating in the church card group. Travel was a beloved pastime for Althea, who ventured on numerous trips with her mother, aunt, and friends. She relished in the beauty of living on Long Lake and cherished the moments with her grandchildren. Always up for an adventure, she celebrated her 75th birthday by water skiing, showcasing her enduring spirit and love of life.

Preceding Althea in death were her parents, her husband Howard, her stillborn baby boy, her grandson Hunter Melander, and her brother Richard Byers. Their memory remained a guiding light throughout her life.   

Althea is survived by her children, Dale (Rhonda) Hechsel of Isanti, Jean (Scott) Nelson of Anoka, and Karen (Chad) Melander of Cambridge; grandchildren Nicole Nelson (James Mayer), Mitchell Nelson, Ashley (James) Anderson, and Nichole Hechsel; great grandchildren Louis Mayer and Dylan Nejedly; brothers, Harris Byers and Duane Byers, both of Westbrook, MN; and nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 28, 2025 at Long Lake Lutheran Church.  Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

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