Dorothy Elaine Hecht

Dorothy “Dottie” Hecht passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Rochester, MN.

Dottie was born April 25, 1947, in Storm Lake, Iowa to Ralph and Dorothy (Nagel) Neville. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1965. She attended UNI in Cedar Falls, IA where she met her husband, Lee, and married in 1967.

Dottie will be remembered for her passion for children and her community. She helped start The Volunteer Connection, a clearinghouse for matching volunteers to community needs in 1982. She went on to work for the Rochester Public Schools in developing the Youth Service Program and the Conflict Management Program. She served with Children First, promoting positive attitudes for kids. In the community, she helped organize “Not in Our Town” Initiative in 1997, promoting tolerance and non-violence in the community. In 2001she received the “Mayor’s Medal of Honor” for her community work.

Her greatest love were her grandchildren – hanging out with them, laughing and having fun. Bicycling, walking in nature, reading, and spending time at her vacation home in Arkansas gave her great joy.

Dottie is survived by four children, Tod (Metairie) Hecht of Plymouth, MN, Scott (Zoe) Hecht of Olympia, WA, Paul (Liz) Hecht of Plymouth, MN, Nicole Liebman of Chesterfield, MO; Grandchildren, Sebastian, Shasta, Sitka, and Benjamin Hecht; Jake, Eliana, and Russell Liebman; brother Larry (Pat) Neville of Memphis, TN and Dawn Kilmer of Bella Vista, AR; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lee; two sisters, Sandy Weifenbach and Vicki Neville.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on February 28th, 2025, at Christ United Methodist Church (400 5th Avenue SW Rochester MN 55902) with Pastor Jenny Cannon officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, at a later date. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dottie. Please consider donating to your favorite cause and address those donations to Christ United Methodist Church. Online condolences are welcome and may be shared at Maxonfamilycremation.com.