Joan Heckler

Joan H. (Dettmer) Heckler of Wyomissing died on January 2, 2026 at the Reading Hospital. She was the widow of Gaylord “Gig” B. Heckler, in 1994 after 43 years of marriage.

Joan was born in Philadelphia (North East) to the late William A. and Mary A. (Foster) Dettmer. She grew up in Lower Bucks County and graduated from Bensalem High School. She then went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown University and a Master's Equivalency degree. Joan taught third grade in the West Reading and Wyomissing School districts for 28 years retiring in 1995.

She was a member of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Reading where she taught Sunday school and Catechetical classes for many years. She also spent many years on the church council where she served terms as secretary, vice president, and president. Joan also served as ministry coordinator for a few years. She was the coordinator of the Bethany Food Pantry at her church and served there for many years.

Joan was generous with her time serving as a member of the West Side Seniors Club, Friends of the Reading Hospital & Medical Center, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and delivered for Meals on Wheels for a few years.

Joan is survived by three sons: Frederic (Lauri) of NC; Ronald (Terri) of Shillington; Philip and (Veronica) of NJ, brother, James Dettmer of Levittown, seven grandchildren: Daniel, Allison, Ross, Kelly, Jason, Justin, Ryan, 12 great-grandchildren: Madilyn, Cassidy, Owen, Savannah, Christopher, Adelyn, Logan, Colin, Lainey, Emersyn, Abby and Corson, as well as two step grandchildren and one step great grandchild.

She was predeceased by her husband and one brother, William Dettmer in 2006.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the memorial fund at Bethany Lutheran Church, 336 Franklin St. West Reading, PA 19611.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc, West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.