Christopher C. Hecht

In Loving Memory of Christopher "Chris" Hecht

Christopher Hecht, 59, passed away peacefully-surrounded by his family on January 19, 2026, at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Born March 5, 1966, in Milwaukee to David Hecht and Karen (Stromski) Wollenburg, Chris grew up with an eagerness to serve and a quiet strength that stayed with him his entire life. He graduated from Pardeeville High School in 1984 and later earned his Associates Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

In 1984, Chris moved to Washington Island, a place that would shape his purpose and deepen his love for community. There, he met Elizabeth "Liz" Jorgenson, the love of his life. They were married on September 26, 1992, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Settling in Sister Bay, they raised two children-Matthew and Helen -who, along with Liz, were the center of Chris's heart and the joy of his days.

Chris began his working life with Anderson Construction before answering a deeper calling: public service. He started as a Firefighter and EMT with the Washington Island Fire Department and, in 1990, moved to the mainland to continue his life's work. Over the next 33 years, Chris served the Door County community as a Paramedic with Emergency Services of Door County and a Firefighter with the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department. In 2001, he became Fire Chief, a role he held for 24 years-guiding, protecting, and mentoring with steadiness and care.

Chris's influence reached far beyond Door County. Following the 9/11 attacks, he joined Salisbury Fire Apparatus as a salesman and designer, helping support the rebuilding of FDNY. Later, he continued serving at a national level as a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton, contributing to contracts with the United States Marine Corps and Navy. "Retirement" was never in his vocabulary-service was not just what he did; it was who he was.

Chris was, in every sense, a pillar of the community. He was the first call in a crisis, the calm in the storm, and the steady voice that turned fear into action. A mentor to many, Chris led with knowledge and respect, offering just enough firm guidance to keep people safe and on the right path. He modeled what it means to be a servant leader: he listened, sought to learn from others' perspectives, and left room for mistakes, knowing that growth often begins there. He was nonjudgmental, inclusive, and steadfastly supportive-a neighbor to all, regardless of background or belief.

Door County knew him by his favorite saying: "Door County doing what Door County does best." Neighbors helping neighbors. That simple phrase became the mission of his days and the imprint of his legacy. The full measure of Chris's achievements and awards is too vast to list; more powerful than any accolade was the trust he earned and the lives he touched. Door County has lost one of its very best, and his absence leaves a profound hole in many hearts.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Liz, who was always by his side; his son, Matthew (Ashley Ellefson) Hecht, and beloved grand-pup Remy; his daughter, Helen (Nicholas) Peppler; his mother, Karen (Fred) Wollenburg; his father, David Hecht; his sisters, Elizabeth "Beth" (John Schwingel) Hecht and Jennifer Hecht; his brother, Noah (Emmy) Wollenburg; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service for Chris will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, 10836 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay, WI. The service will be livestreamed. Click the link below to watch the livestream.

A visitation for family and friends will take place at the church on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 3:00-6:45 PM, and again on Friday from 9:00-10:30 AM. Uniformed personnel will be participating in a ceremonial walk-through on Thursday at 6:45 PM and on Friday at 10:30 AM.

Washington Island was the place his heart called home. He will be laid to rest on the island at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Chris. We will take it from here.

Memorial donations may be made in Chris's name to Door CANcer, P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay WI 54235, http://www.doorcancer.com.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay is assisting the Hecht family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Chris may be shared with his family through his tribute page at CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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