Brenda Joy Hekman

Brenda lived with strong faith, generous hospitality, hard-earned wisdom, and a gift for making life more beautiful. She lovingly tended her flowers, enjoyed camping, and treasured doing crafts with her grandchildren. She was feisty to the very end, bringing strength, spirit, and determination wherever she went.

Her faith was at the center of her life, and she shared it freely with others. Brenda was a prayer warrior for everyone she met and in every situation, often seeming to have a direct line to God. Though her absence is deeply felt, all who grieve Brenda can share the same confidence in her salvation that she carried throughout her life.

Brenda had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome. She was an incredible host who always made sure there was a seat for everyone at her table—often literally, by buying what seemed like endless chairs to make room for anyone who came through her door. She offered wisdom and insight, prayed faithfully, and made room for others in both her home and her heart.

To her beloved husband, Hank, Brenda was an angel sent to him at a time when he needed to be shown that there was a better way to live. Through her love, faith, and example, she did exactly that.

Brenda is survived by her beloved husband, Hank Hekman; sons Cory McClellan and his wife, Danielle, and Matthew Tetro and his wife, Aubree; stepdaughters Carrie Krauss and her husband, Jeff, and Krista Brower and her husband, Ross; beloved grandchildren Nicole, Hannah May, Lillee, Greyson, Tessa, Austin, Cole, Avery, Cora, Ty, Clay, Amiya, Tazi, Jerzi, and Riana; great-grandchildren Violet and Meadow; and siblings Bob and Sandy, Tom and Vernie, and Mark and Sue. She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and others whose lives were touched by her faith, prayers, wisdom, and love.

Brenda will be remembered for her steadfast faith, feisty spirit, open table, and ability to make people and places flourish. Her life was a testimony to the God she loved, and her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now secure in the salvation she so confidently believed in.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation 10-11 a.m. prior to service.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook.