Brian F. Heichel

"A mechanic's toolbox is his diary. Every wrench holds a thousand lessons."

— Unknown

A memorial service will be held at Dare's Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM for Brian F Heichel who passed away Saturday, June 27th, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Anoka, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior. 

Brian was born February 24th, 1950 in Dexter, Iowa to Floyd and Letha (Maeder) Heichel. Brian grew up with two older sisters on a farm in rural Madison County, Iowa. As a kid, he was heavily involved in farm work and raising livestock. Brian was a member of 4-H and FFA and participated in swine shows for both organizations. Brian graduated from Winterset High School in 1968.

Brian married Terry Price November 13th, 1976, in Taylors Falls, MN. They adopted their daughter Kelly in 1983. Brian worked as a diesel mechanic in a few different capacities. The bulk of his years were spent working on heavy trucks and heavy equipment. Maintenance work at Baldinger Bakery followed and he enjoyed his time there; especially when he got to give tours of the facility. Brian also enjoyed doing side work from his garage which, for many years, included being followed around by his chatty, bubbly daughter who never held the flashlight correctly. He gave up wrenching and moved on to Federal Cartridge where he retired in 2019, taking with him many friendships and memories.

Many years of dedication to community service through the Lions Club International also kept Brian busy. He was a member of the St. Francis, Nowthen and Almelund, MN Lions Clubs. He was club President many different times and was a Zone Chairman for Lions District 5M-7. Lions pin trading was a hobby he deeply enjoyed and he was a very active member of the Minnesota Lion Pin Traders Club. Brian served on the board of directors for Camp New Hope, actively raising money for children with special needs.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Letha. He is survived by his wife Terry, daughter Kelly, son-in-law Brodie and grandchildren Chase, Molly, Brianna, Grace, Evelyn and Fallyn as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.